Thandiwe, a passionate 28-year-old who runs the only crèche in the quiet community of KwaNgcolosi in KwaZulu-Natal, dreams of creating a thriving educational hub for her little ones. Now, thanks to Heart in Hands NPO, this dream is becoming a reality.
KwaNgcolosi, South Africa (03 July 2025) – Play-based learning lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning, helping children grow into confident, curious, and capable individuals. This is at the heart of Heart in Hands Food Bank’s focus project for 2025, which has seen teams, contractors and volunteers channel their skills and passion for childhood education into uplifting Lusana Crèche in the quiet community of KwaNgcolosi.
This marks the charity’s sixth community upliftment refurbishment project since 2020 and with a focus on sustainable projects and Early Childhood Development (ECD).
Run by 28-year-old Thandiwe, who has a passion for working with children and her community, the crèche is the only one in the area. She dreams of seeing her ECD centre become a thriving educational hub that will create positive ripples in the community for all the children who will walk through her doors.
With Hearts in Hands fully on board to make this dream a reality, the crèche’s sensory playground area has been taking shape in leaps and bounds with the installation of swings, a jungle gym, a Wendy house and the fencing already complete.
Future plans for building refurbishment, ablution facilities, a kitchenette, and an office promise even more positive impact for the community’s children, ensuring a bright and playful foundation for their future.
“To say we’re excited is an understatement! Play is a cornerstone of foundation phase learning, serving as a powerful and natural vehicle for young children to explore, discover, and make sense of the world around them. Through play, children develop critical cognitive, emotional, social, and physical skills in ways that are meaningful and engaging.
“We are so grateful for the wonderful community support so far, and still have a way to go to fulfil our vision for this special little hub of learning, play and activity,” shares Project Manager Kim Griffith Jones.
Sources: Heart in Hands Food Bank
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