December 2016 Progress Update

.Yomelelani, Progress Report from John Howden on Vimeo.

Generous donations from friends of Yomelelani have enabled the Trust to continue to support the running costs of the school. A number of fund raising initiatives including two university events, a Church Charity Lunch and a couple of birthday parties have also helped.

We are confident that by the end of this financial year (31.3.17) we shall have contributed in excess of £30,000 to staffing and overhead costs. We expect that limited government funding will start sometime in 2017, but even when this is on stream Yomelelani needs nearly £10,000 per annum to continue its work.

Your donations are therefore vital to future success. Many thanks for your support.

A problem ECDC is currently facing relates to the school’s pick-up vehicle. It is now thirteen years old, has in excess of 90,000 K on the clock and has broken down four times in the last year, with unwelcome repair costs.

The pick-up is in daily use for collecting food donations and school supplies as well as providing transportation for teaching staff when necessary.

We are trying to find a corporate or individual sponsor who would be willing to fund a replacement. If you have any ideas or contacts who might be helpful please contact us.

Corny Rode, general manager of Yomelelani, told guests at the Grand Opening that the crèche for 12 babies in cots and 10 toddlers was now fully operational.

Parents had camped outside the school gates from midnight to ensure they had a place in the queue.

The nursery has a self-contained playroom, kitchenette, and laundry, which has provided some insulation from the prevailing influenza virus in the township over recent weeks. These compliment the upgraded facilities for 114 pre-school children.

An official opening ceremony was held at the school on the 8th of June following completion of an extensive renovation and building project over the past year.

This was attended by the mayor of Overstrand, municipal officials, and the top management of Aqunion – the local company that selected Yomelelani Early Childhood Development Centre (ECDC) as a corporate social investment project and funded the building redevelopment.

Also on the guest list were parents of the children, as well as many individuals who have played a part in the school’s expansion. Once the formalities were over the pre-school children performed a song which stole the show and warmed many hearts. Guests then toured the school and were amazed at what had been achieved.