The community of Ntshongweni has a creche that is in desperate need of upgrading so the Robin Hood Foundation is selling one brick at a time to raise funds!
The Robin Hood Foundation was started by Cindy Norcott in 2005. Since it was founded 12 years ago it has helped a number of causes with clever initiatives to raise funds.
The aim is to mobilise resources from business and individuals in the community and put them directly into the hands of the less fortunate. They help forgotten Grannies and Grandpas, poor Gogos and Mkulu’s and needy moms and children in disadvantaged communities
“Our 2017 focus is on Early Childhood Development as this is the most important area to get the foundations right for small children to be able to learn and grow to their full potential. We believe that education is the main key to eradicating poverty.”
“The first five years of a child’s life are fundamentally important. They are the foundation that shapes children’s future health, happiness, growth, development and learning achievement at school, in the family and community, and in life in general.”
From March to May the foundation have visited over 26 creches with their recent ‘Love to Read’ campaign, and kitted them out with educational books, toys, puzzles and other items.
They were advised about the Siyanda crèche in Ntshongweni, Outer West Durban and what dire condition it is in. The creche is in need of a building that is structurally sound and ablution facilities.
“In 2008 Queen Khuzwayo, at 25 years old, realized her heart for child-care during the time she had to raise her own child as a single parent after the father of the child deserted her and the child from birth up to date. This too got her thinking about the other children in the community of Ntshongweni that were lonely and isolated and had no one to care for them during the day.”
“She turned one of the rooms at her mother’s house into a ‘day-care’ which soon became a blessing to the parents in the area. Some parents even got involved and donated blankets, mattresses and old toys to help her get started.”
Queen cares for over 20 children and provides them with 2 meals a day. Since the creche was started Queen was blessed to be gifted a 2 bedroom home which she fully converted into the creche it is today.
Related Story
“When we first visited the crèche, we were saddened at the lack of infrastructure, sanitation and educational equipment, and yet, with little or no resources, the young teachers were trying their best to teach these children the basics of what is required for an education foundation.”
“Despite the poor conditions, Queen and her teachers devotion to their little learners was so apparent and we are so encouraged by the passion they showed in the interaction with the children.”
The Robin hood foundation decided then and there to help develop this small creche into something more! They came up with the idea of selling one brick at a time to help them reach their goal of R 350,000.00!
“We have committed to building quality facilities and refurbish the existing structure, including classrooms, a hygienic ablution facility, kitchenette and storeroom at Siyanda Creche and we are appealing for your help.”
For more information on how to get involved please contact Kim Griffith Jones here.
“Giving the children in this community a good educational start in life, will go a long way to help them make a meaningful contribution to society in the future.”
by 