Support Early Childhood Development in Rural SA

Over the last few weeks in South Africa we have had to adapt and adjust as the CoronaVirus makes itself known. Our pre-school had to comply and close early in line with President Ramaphosas speech to try to minimise the risk or travelling and groups gathering. For us at Nourish, this was bittersweet- we agree that trying to prevent Covid-19 from reaching poor and vulnerable communities and minimising risk to these is paramount; but we also know that the 38 children that are part of our Early Childhood Development program rely on us daily for their meals.  Thanks to your amazing support we are able to be a safe place to play, learn, develop and get 3 meals a day. Now already vulnerable and poor families will have to do without that at a time where many are losing their work... and at a time where travelling to buy food involves putting yourself at risk in a crowded taxi. 

We thought about it long and hard and our first commitment is to the children - to help them be RESILIENT. and this means focusing on their HEALTH and HYGIENE so we focused all our efforts on food parcels which we now bring to these children and their families each week.. allowing them to minimise their risk by not travelling, and the precious children that rely on Nourish and called Nourish home to get their food daily. We also include a soap and sanitizer each week so families can try to protect themselves from germs. 

For our little ones, and their families and grannies - your ongoing support of this project makes a big difference! We cant wait to have them all back at our creche when the Lockdown is over, ready for lots of activities, games, play and learning.. but for now, safety first. So thank you for always believeing in us, and for the ripples your donations make possible! 

Its that time of year again where the children graduate from the Nourish pre-school! It is a matter of suge huge pride for the families of these vulnerable children.. their first step into their educational journey! Earlier this month we hosted our annual graduation for 6 of the children from the Nourish pre-school, their parents were wooping and dancing with joy to hear them recite the alphabet, count, and sing their songs. Each little graduate ( gown and all ) received a little school uniform for their first year in school Its always an honour for us to take children to this point through our early childhood development projects and through the support of people such as you! 

We wish them well as they embark in Primary school  - and look forward to seeing their little faces at the aftercare program we run, where they can come after school for a warm healthy meal, english reading and homework support - so these children are not abandoned, but continue to be part of our lives and family. 

Thank you to everyone that helped make this day so special for these children! :) 

Much love for the festive season