May 2021.
As the only crèche in the Kenhardt community, Vinknessie Kleuterskool, is vitally important. Luckily, following an upgrade programme, this Early Childhood Development (ECD) facility, which provides educational and development support for this community’s children between the ages of 3 and 6 years, can now double their intake.
Vinknessie Kleuterskool Principal, Anna van Wyk, said “I truly believe that our school at ECD level forms the basis, the foundation and the ground for all education. All the future leaders start with us. We can now accommodate 25 more children, and set them on their way, as we help in positioning them for greatness and for the future.”
Following a recommendation by the Department of Social Development, this ECD centre has been upgraded and has doubled its capacity, welcoming many more children from the community. The current allocation will be able to increase from 40 to 70 children, once the Department adjusts health and safety restrictions, currently in place due to Covid-19.
The extra classroom is a fully kitted out school container structure or Edutainer that is certified to ensure safety measures are met. This has been funded by Aries Solar Power, in addition to the necessary equipment such as furniture.
“We are so pleased to be able to provide additional facilities for this ECD centre, especially as it is the only facility in Kenhardt,” explained Tsholofelo Moote, Junior Economic Development Associate at Aries Solar Power.
This funding forms part of the solar plant’s Socio Economic Development Programme, which supports equal access to quality education for children from 3 to 6 years. Hence, a comprehensive assessment of all ECD needs has been undertaken, within the 50km radius of Aries Solar Power’s plant. This assessment guided the decision to fund the purchasing of this new container classroom, in addition to further support for the Centre and its practitioners.
