LEAD Kids Early Intervention Centre opened their doors to the community security guards offering them sanctuary during the lockdown.
Parkmore, Johannesburg (24 April 2020) – The LEAD Kids Early Intervention Centre is a pre-school and therapy centre for children with special needs. The school made a difference in the lives of its community security guards.
Since its opening in 2015, the 24/7 Security guards of the Parkmore Community Association (PCA) have provided protection for the school, creating further peace of mind to educators, therapists and parents of LEAD Kids. The security guards have not only projected safety in their presence; they are warm and friendly, and so mindful of the children at LEAD Kids.
The COVID-19 pandemic has meant the school has to close to curb the spread of infection. The directors of LEAD Kids, Jennifer Kirk and Ariella Diamond, put their heads together to try and create a silver lining. They were concerned about the future of the school but knew something good could be done.
“We both realized that we were going to leave a secure space, with running water, electricity and facilities completely unattended for the unforeseeable future. It just seemed like it could be put to much better use.”, Jennifer recalls.
“The idea came to us that we could possibly use the space to create a safer living environment for some of the Parkmore security guards. Staying in the school would allow for easier social distancing, safer access to nearby grocery stores as well as free use of facilities needed most especially in times of uncertainty.”, Ariella says.
The security guards were invited to stay at the school. They have been staying at the school since the official nation-wide lockdown started.
“It seems like such a small effort in such difficult times, but we are so proud that as a school, we can assist in our own way”, Ariella says.
“The fact that small adjustments and contributions can help flatten the curve and support those in need is a motivator for us”, says Jennifer. “Now more than ever we need to stand in solidarity, every little effort helps.”
The use of the school has been a great comfort to both Jennifer and Ariella as well as all the security guards who were offered sanctuary for the duration of the lockdown.