2 NEW CLASSROOMS BUILT FOR BOITHATELO CRÈCHE

What an honour to have been able to help fund the build 2 classrooms for the Boithatelo Crèche in the Kruger National Park in South Africa.

This beautiful video reveals the joy of 80 kids who were previously crammed into one room without adequate facilities and now have ample space to play, grow, nap and thrive.

We attended the handover of the new classrooms and captured some heart-warming images that will hopefully give you a glimpse into the very real difference this has made to 80 young lives. It was a very moving experience to witness.

This initiative was achieved in conjunction with The Africa Foundation, supporting their philosophy of improving the lives of communities around their lodges.

Thank you

ABOUT BOITHATELO CRECHÈ

Boithatelo (meaning ‘Own will’) Crèche has a large enrollment of 80 children, from newborn to 4 years old, cared for by 6 staff members. Biothatelo Crèche is one of the schools supported by Africa Foundation, an NGO affiliated to &Beyond properties, who is one of our key supplier partners. The rural community of Welverdiend, where the creche is located, lies adjacent to Ngala Private Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park. This crèche, in its particular location, is demonstration of the expansion of Welverdiend community, and its increasing demands for early childhood development facilities in locations where people are residing. The site had one large building, where all of the children are cared for together, and a separate kitchen. There is a long-drop toilet and a shaded playground area. The former shared-classroom was large, however, it was not practical for caring for children from infancy through to four years, with infants trying to sleep in the same space as toddlers are playing, singing and having lessons. The room also served as storage for all the toys, materials and resources without any proper shelving or cupboards, making it potentially hazardous for young children.

The crèche manager, Irena, contacted Africa Foundation for support in improving the facilities to make it a safer and healthier environment for the large number of children registered. Identified needs include two new separate classrooms to divide the children by age group and provide adequate space for various activities. Timeless Africa Safaris, having partnered with Africa Foundation assisted with funding the construction of the new classrooms. Additionally Africa Foundation has now managed to secure funds for 5 Enviroloo ablutions, to replace the one long drop toilet and conversion of the current building to function as kitchen / dining / storage area.

Further fund collections are for a kitchen and dining room conversion.

  • Timeless Africa Safaris' Marketing Manager, Casey at the official opening of Boithatelo Crèche's new classrooms

  • Children now have the space they need to learn.

  • Older children are now able to continue learning in their own classroom while smaller children have their own classroom

  • Children now have the space to play

  • The children at Boithatelo Crèche peacefully napping in their new classroom with room for all

  • A display the children's work in their classroom