A MILESTONE FOR THE THELELULWAZI CRECHE!
At Wild Tomorrow, we believe that protecting wildlife goes hand-in-hand with uplifting the communities who live alongside it. Today, we are incredibly proud to share some BIG news...
THELELULWAZI CRECHE HAS OFFICIALLY RECEIVED FUNDING FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION!
This is a transformational milestone, not just for this school – but for what’s possible across our region. Read more about this exciting news in our latest blog post below.
One of the happy faces of the Thelelulwazi Creche that will benefit from the Department of Education funding.
FROM VISION TO REALITY
Thelelulwazi’s journey to this moment didn’t just happen overnight. The creche first applied for government funding years ago, but, like many Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers, there were critical requirements that needed to be met before funding could be approved...including proper infrastructure, sanitation, and learning facilities.
With support from Wild Tomorrow, we helped Thelelulwazi in building the essential foundations needed to qualify – from improved classrooms and facilities to a kitchen and dining space, bathrooms, and safe fencing.
Through our Grow ECD program, additional areas for improvement were identified and strengthened, ensuring the creche met the necessary standards to move forward. And now...it has paid off!
The new and improved classroom at the Thelelulwazi Creche, which ultimately allowed them to qualify for this funding.
A NEW CHAPTER...AND A PROUD MOMENT
This government support will cover:
Teacher stipends
Daily meals for students
Learning materials
Core operating costs
In short, Thelelulwazi is stepping into a new chapter of sustainability. And behind this milestone are years of dedication – led by our incredible Community Conservation Manager, Aphiwe Notshaya. When asked about the moment, Aphiwe shared:
“When I first started with Wild Tomorrow, this felt like such a huge and overwhelming task. To now be able to share with the team that we did this...it’s incredibly special. I honestly didn’t think we would achieve it so soon. I’m still in disbelief– did we really secure this funding?!”
Aphiwe in her element…with the kids at Thelelulwazi Creche!
Aphiwe’s passion, persistence, and belief in what’s possible have helped turn a long-term dream into reality.
THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP
This achievement is a true reflection of what’s possible when organizations come together with a shared vision.
Wild Impact (andBeyond Phinda’s charity arm) helped get this project off the ground, supporting the initial development of the creche building, kitchen, and dining room complex.
The Grow ECD program, implemented through Wild Tomorrow’s community support efforts, helped identify key areas for improvement – positioning the creche for success.
And the Department of Education played a critical role in guiding and supporting the process, helping bring this funding to life.
It’s a powerful reminder that sustainable change doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens through collaboration.
Backpacks hang up at the kitchen’s entrance - proudly featuring Wild Tomorrow, Wild Impact, & Grow ECD.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR THELELULWAZI
One of Thelelulwazi Creche’s learners and a Grow ECD puzzle.
Theleluwazi has achieved Silver Level status with the Department of Education...an INCREDIBLE accomplishment! But we’re not stopping there. The goal is Gold. By the next evaluation in 2028, the creche aims to:
Build two additional classrooms
Establish a sick bay
Install fire safety equipment
Continue improving overall infrastructure and care standards
And Wild Tomorrow will continue walking alongside them every step of the way.
A MODEL WE CAN REPLICATE
This milestone represents something even bigger than one creche. It proves that this model works. By supporting ECD centers to reach the standards required for government funding, we can help them become self-sustaining – and then replicate that success with other creches across our neighboring communities. This is how we can create a lasting, scalable impact.
BE PART OF WHAT COMES NEXT
While Thelelulwazi steps into sustainability, our work continues. There are more creches. More children. More communities that need this same pathway forward.
If you’d like to be part of building brighter futures – and helping us replicate the model – we'd love your support.
Support Wild Tomorrow’s community programs....DONATE
Together, we’re not just supporting schools. We’re building a future where communities and conservation can thrive side by side.