The Nelson Mandela Bay community came together to assist a creche that burnt down during the January holidays and it has finally reopened its doors.
The Sinethemba Pre-School in Motherwell NU-8 sadly burnt to the ground during the January holidays. The blaze started after a group of boys allegedly set off fireworks nearby. A community member saw the blaze and alerted the authorities. By the time they had arrived the structure had burnt to the ground and everything was lost.
Candice-Leigh Haydam took to social media to ask people for assistance in rebuilding the creche before the new school year started. It has taken some time but the school has finally managed to reopen its doors to the community.
The creche cares for over 70 children aged 1 to 5 and ensures they are safe during the day, have a wholesome meal and are taught skills for their age level.
The community heard the plea and came forward with various items that the creche could use. Candice-Leigh provided a list of items they needed and stressed that building materials were the top priority as the structure needed to go up soonest.
In an interview with GroundUp, Mavis Salmse, a co-owner of the creche confirmed that the St Marks Church in Kabega contributed construction materials towards the new building.
Workers at Discovery Health also contributed flooring material, food and children’s toys. Sam Huysamen, a representative of the company, said, “We have plans to establish a gardening project at the back of the crèche.”
“We have been teaching kids at our houses until we opened the place last week. We are really grateful to all people who helped us. The place is now much bigger and safer for children to play.” – Mavis Slamse
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