2018 has seen us re-establish the Toy Library with many exciting programmes in line with play-based learning for children in our community. This newsletter serves to highlight some of these interesting events over the past year, partnerships through collaborations, and the people who have made it all possible.
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- Kids painting tyres for garden and play areas
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- Kids invited to WIPRO family fun day, racing activity where all received medals and gifts for participation.
The Toy Library
Play-based learning is at the forefront of Early Childhood Development in a global context. The Toy Library was established as an Enterprise Development Initiative as we move towards making our non-profit organisation sustainable. The Toy Library’s objective helps bridging the gap in the educational journey of the children in our community. It further provides skills to care givers and volunteers, an important aspect of job creation.
Other Highlights of 2018
- We successfully continued our Edu-FUN programme with the Family Worship Centre Sunday school in the first half of 2018
- World Play Day, 28 May 2018 with a special invitation to differently-abled and senior villages
- Over 40 countries around the world commemorate this day
- We dedicated this year’s day to free play in Coronationville Care Centre, FWC Hospice and Vuka Day Care
- Easter and Winter School July Holiday Clubs
- Training of volunteers as play facilitators
- Computer literacy programme for children in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg and Westbury Library
- Pilot program for Power of 10 Creche Play sessions
- Hamilton After School Care group program
- Involvement with Pre Schools for Africa – Play with a Purpose (PWAP)
- Collaboration with CEEP for Mural at the Toy Library
- Sponsorship of boundary wall painting for team building exercise with JSE
- Work Integrated Learning – Robyn Jacobs volunteer
- Participation and Graduation of SCE staff members in PWAP ECD course
- Christmas Closing in collaboration with Point Group and Charity Fusion
Ending off 2018 on a high note, 2 members of our team received their qualification in ECD Play With A Purpose Program. Well done to Emily Diseko who leads the incubation of Vuka Day Care at the Slovo Park Informal Settlement and Debbie Cockrell who manages our Operations and Programmes at the Toy Library. A big Thank you also to SHA, FWC and PWAP for this amazing opportunity to our care givers.
Thank You’s
A big thank you to Mr Lucas Khoza and his students from UJ Community Engagement for their mentoring of children involved in the Power of 10 Computer literacy program as well as CoJ Westbury Community Library for their assistance with facility.
Robyn Jacobs volunteered her time for 3 months with us at the Toy Library. She has a NQF4 level qualification in ECD and was able to learn practically what this sector is all about. We wish her all the best for her journey in working with children for many years to come.
An exciting collaboration with Nicole Heimann and her team of volunteers. This NPO called CEEP involved UJ students in design phase, and members of the public to complete painting in various stages. Thank you for this wonderful addition at the Toy Library.
What an absolute thrill to have Principal Shaun Tarr and her kids from Hamilton After School Care attending daily for some extra mural fun at the Toy Library. This included BrainBoosters, Edu-FUN, Fantasy play and Whacky Wednesday reading and Storytelling sessions.
Where would we be without Collaborating Partners, Donors , Sponsors and “Friends of the Project”.
To each person and Organisation who has been part of our year in 2018, we sincerely thank you for your continued support of the vision at Slovo Centre of Excellence. Mr Jacques Du Toit and family, Pastor Audrey Jacobs and her team at Family Worship Centre, Susan Elder and her team at HALO, Teresa Richards of Charity Fusion. The Principal and teachers of each crèche who participated in our Pilot Edu-FUN Play Sessions. Shaun Tarr for your continued support and involvement with Fund raising and After School Care as well as Transport assistance. Friends who have donated time, clothing and toys to our beneficiaries.
The Taylor family, Mientjie van der Merwe & Abe Prince for your consistent monthly financial contributions, what a blessing these have been. JSE for our beautiful painted walls and “Garden of Happiness”, Shenaaz Lombard and her team from Point who made our Christmas closing possible. Bradley Carelse for your technical assistance, Precious Hlalele & Lisa Malek for your temporary volunteer assistance with our Social Media. Finally our volunteer staff, Emily and Boitumelo for your commitment in sharing time and teaching skills with our children, along with the many who continue to show support and encouragement to the SCE NPO, in so many ways.
Our hearts are filled with gratitude to each one of you for your Love in action!