Lerato Mafenya, Lunchbox Fund’s Free State Fieldworker sent the team the following message on her way back from visiting Kid’s Nursery, an Early Childhood Development Centre, Creche, in Warrenton: “I am so happy Fam. I went to Kid’s Nursery today and you should see how they are shining. They are in an informal settlement and all the children are welcomed. Mmeme Lethoko is the Principal, she is a real South African Hero. The children are having fun and learning so much since I was first there. Today they welcomed me with songs - even though they did not expect me - and they were each one of them talking about what they want to be when they grow up. It was so incredible to see. Before they were shy and hiding away and today they are so full of confidence. I even danced with them. This school is proof of what we are trying to do. I had to share this with all of you. Our faith in these schools is working. This community is smiling now.”
Ma Lethoko believes that children must be given the chance to explore, learn, and grow independently. She wants them to rise above their circumstances. She started her school because she could not bear to see the children around her roaming the streets: “There is so much danger here, the parents are drinking and they can become violent or do worse things to the children. I want to make sure they are safe with me during the day and not alone trying to find something to eat.” Her school has also changed parents attitudes to pre-school education: “For me I did not think it was something to do, my child is only four and still two years until Primary. But Ma Lethoko told me we have to make sure she is ready to attend and now Sulike will not miss even one day. On the weekends she is showing me and grandmother all the things she has been learning at Kid’s Nursery. I have also learned the songs and we sing and dance together. We did not do this before. Our house is becoming happy.”
Ma Lethoko’ impact on her neighbours is more than just with the children. Inclusion in the School’s events involves parents too: “I am a believer that all must learn together. These parents never had a chance to get an education. This area is so poor there is no work and no way that anyone can leave. Now I see hope with the parents, the mothers are walking with head up and proud to bring children each day. We have hardly no absenteeism - and the food is so healthy the children are growing too fast. Their skin is not ashy any more - they are shining. They do not miss even one day - and always ask ‘what is for lunch today, Teacher?”
“Even the school is more beautiful”, Lerato told us. “it has grown from very small two classes to three classrooms with a complete kitchen. It is bright and everyone who walks by stops to look at it. All are welcome ”. “I am already thinking of another schools, Ma Lethoko told Lerato, “ you will bring the food?”
That’s 100% yes from us all, Ma Lethoko.
