It was a day of giving back for the children at Mustadafin Foundation’s four early childhood development (ECD) centres on Wednesday July 27 at the foundation’s annual grandparents’ day.
The foundation’s ECD centres are in Manenberg, Site B and Site C in Khayelitsha and Delft.
“Our main goal for 2016 is focused on education – ECDs being a focal point. We are embarking on a holistic approach with our ECD centres, where we plan activities and excursions that teach our children fundamentals in a fun environment,” said Ghairunisa Johnstone-Cassiem, the foundation’s director.
About 100 grandparents joined the festivities at all four ECD centres, where they were entertained with song, dance and gifts from the children, who are between two and six years old.
The grandparents were either part of the children’s families or volunteers at the foundation. The lively little ones spent the day learning, as the grandparents told them stories and read from books.
“The aim of the day was to remind children to say thanks to their caregivers – most of them being their grandparents.
“With our grandparents’ day, it is important that children learn to respect elders and give thanks for the sacrifices some of their families have made. It is also a fun day for the grandparents. Some of them live in dire, poor circumstances and do not have much to look forward to everyday,” said Ms Johnstone-Cassiem.
Mustadafin Foundation’s ECD centres operate in some of the poorest areas in Cape Town.
“With excursions and sustainable activities, children are positively stimulated to care for their neighbours and are moulded into self-reliant and self-sufficient citizens,” said Ms Johnstone-Cassiem.
Visit www.mustadafin.org.za or call 021 633 0010 for more information about the Mustadafin Foundation.