The little learners from Sikula Sonke Early Childhood Development Centre have been enjoying homemade sandwiches and fruit sent by Wynberg Girls High School.
Western Cape, South Africa (19 March 2024) – Wynberg Girls High School has adopted the Sikula Sonke Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre in Khayelitsha, sending the little learners homemade sandwiches and fruit.
Initiated in 2021, this project sees the students of Wynberg Girls making sandwiches and collecting fruit each month, which is then distributed by Sikhula Sonke, a community-based organisation addressing the need for early childhood development in Khayelitsha by providing access to quality ECD services, training and resources.
“Seeing these WGHS learners support our vulnerable children in the informal settlements has been such an encouragement to us. It takes a village to raise a child,” shares Mdebuka Mthwazi, Executive Director of Sikhula Sonke ECD. “Nutrition is an important part of Sikhula Sonke’s programmes and sometimes the only meal the children might receive.”
It sounds simple – fruit and a sandwich – but the heart behind this lovely initiative is huge.
Speaking to the team at Wynberg Girls, we learned that not only does the school make sandwiches, but they also collect non-perishable foods to give to the children for the December school holidays.
“We have been holding a monthly sandwich and fruit drive for Sikhula Sonke and usually do a dried grocery challenge before the December school holdiays to be able to provide food parcels for the families of the children who would benefit from the sandwiches in the term time.”
We asked the team what advice they have for other schools wanting to partner with schools in need.
“In terms of advice to other schools wanting to give back. I would say get involved in community outreach as much as possible. It fosters empathy and builds relationships and creates informed citizens who are solution driven individuals who make a difference. Our learners get as much out of this initiative as the ECD’s we are supporting.” – Jennifer Paverd, Wynberg Girls High School
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