BUILDING BRIGHTER FUTURES AT THE SILETHUKUKHANYA CRECHE
Wild Tomorrow and Africa Foundation are partnering to construct a kitchen and dining room complex at Silethukukhanya Creche, benefiting 62 enrolled children and supporting five dedicated staff members. Currently lacking proper facilities, the creche's new infrastructure will enhance meal preparation, promote a sense of community among children, and unlock ongoing funding opportunities for sustainability. Read more in our latest blog post about how this promises brighter futures for the children and empowers the local community.
At Wild Tomorrow, we are dedicated to preserving wildlife, saving wild places, and supporting communities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We believe in holistic conservation, which encompasses not only protecting the environment but also uplifting the people who live within it. That's why we are thrilled to announce our partnership with our friends at the Africa Foundation to fund the construction of a kitchen and dining room complex at the Silethukukhanya Creche!
Silethukukhanya Creche holds a special place in the hearts of many in the local community. Since the creche’s establishment in 2010, it’s reach has grown and currently enrolls 62 children and employs a staff of five dedicated individuals; including two teachers, a cleaner, a food handler, and a supervisor. The creche not only provides a safe and nurturing environment for these children but also supports local high school students by offering childcare services, enabling them to continue their education.
The importance of nutrition in early childhood development cannot be overstated. Many parents, especially those facing challenging circumstances, choose to enroll their infants in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers, like Silethukukhanya Creche, because it ensures their child receives a daily, hot, nutritious meal. However, the current facilities at the creche are inadequate for providing quality meals. Meals are prepared in a small room, and food is stored in outdated and insufficient conditions. Additionally, children eat their meals on the veranda, lacking a proper dining area.
To address these challenges, Wild Tomorrow and Africa Foundation are collaborating to construct a kitchen and dining room complex that will serve as an incredible investment in the overall purpose of the creche. The new facilities will include a spacious kitchen with a large storeroom and an indoor dining area. This upgrade will not only enhance the quality of meals served but also create a welcoming environment for the children.
The impact of this project extends beyond providing nutritious meals. A proper dining room will promote a sense of community among the children, fostering healthy eating habits and positive relationships. Moreover, the construction of approved kitchen infrastructure will unlock further ongoing funding opportunities from the government’s Department of Social Development, ensuring the sustainability of the creche's feeding program and building maintenance.
We are excited to announce that construction has already begun, and we will be sharing updates throughout the year. Our goal is to have the kitchen and dining room complex completed by June, transforming the lives of the children at Silethukukhanya Creche for many years to come!
As we embark on this journey, we invite you to join us in supporting this meaningful cause. Together, we can build brighter futures for the children of Silethukukhanya Creche and empower communities to thrive.
Stay tuned for more updates as we work towards creating a better tomorrow for all and consider donating to our Community Support Program below!