In 2021 Teacher Nushfeekah continues to assist 3 of COLT’s mothers who have applied for identity (ID) documents for their children. The mothers asked for assistance last year because without official ID documents their children are refused admission to state schools.

Nushfeekah says that the moms are now a lot more confident about going through the various departments and processes. COLT has provided transport for these moms which has meant a huge saving for them in time and money. Having Nushfeekah hands-on to lead them through the process has given them courage to persevere until they have an ID document for their child.

In the picture Teacher Nushfeekah (2nd on the right) stands with the 3 mothers outside the Department of Home Affairs in Cape Town.

On 1 February COLT Educare opened for the first term 2021. Children and staff quickly swung back into the educare daily program. Covid-19 protocols and the morning dose of vitamin syrup which were introduced last year, are now a firm part of the daily routine.

Making play dough, watering the garden, playing with cars, dressing up, fantasy play and playing with dolls, enjoying a warm breakfast, nutritious lunch and fresh fruit snack fill the children’s days once more!

 

 

On Tuesday 1 December the Educare Gratitude Concert was held in the Lansdowne Civic Centre. It was a joyous and proud morning for all our children, parents and teachers. In 2021 six COLT children take the big step into Grade R. Some have attended the educare for 3 years – we’ve witnessed their growth in confidence, and the beginning of the unfolding of their natural talents. The end of year Gratitude Concert celebration honours their progress.

At the start of the celebration all Children of Light Educare children, teachers and volunteers placed a lit candle within a beautiful spiral which was decorated with items from nature. At the end of the celebration each person entered the spiral again to put their candle out.

    

A parenting support session was held in the Peace garden this week with Labeekah, Kareem’s mom. In early childhood education programs strong family engagement promotes children’s intellectual, physical, social and emotional health and development. She told us; “since attending the Educare Kareem does not swear, his behaviour has changed, I am able to cope with him better. In the past he would climb on the tables at home and become uncontrollable. He now prays before meals.” She said she is spending more time with her two children and often takes them to the park.

She wants a better life for them and is making every effort to submit applications for ID documents, clinic cards and birth certificates. Labeekah communicates regularly with the principal and teachers using the educare message book system. She is feeling empowered and has many wonderful qualities as a mother and human being.

        

A child is naturally inquisitive, knowledge is gained through this inquisitive nature. They touch sand, gaze at the flowers, watch the butterflies, experience the slippery feel of worms, touch water, experience fear of the buzzing bees. Teachers allow the children to learn by experience. Rather than label things the teacher waits for the child to ask ‘what is this, where does it live?’