Thandiwe Zenzile from Phase 10 in Bloemfontein was over the moon when she was handed the keys to her newly built creche (ECD).
Thandiwe’s ECD (Early Childhood Development) Centre, named Ekhayeni, was officially handed over to her by For Afrika, an African-founded and led organization with over 40 years of impact across the continent. Their focus lies in food security, healthcare, education, and emergency response throughout Africa, with their headquarters in Johannesburg and branches globally.
Founded in 2015, Thandiwe’s ECD started as a two-room shack. In 2023, she faced a significant setback when a strong wind blew the roof away. Despite this challenge, her determination never wavered, and she worked tirelessly to keep Ekhayeni operational, serving the Phase 10 community. Currently, the centre accommodates 32 children.
The newly built Ekhayeni features two classrooms, flushing toilets, a sick bay for when children fall ill, an office space, a garden, a kitchen, and a play area. For Afrika invested nearly R1 million into the ECD project, with funding raised by their Switzerland office.
Adel Terblanche, For Afrika’s Regional Manager for Free State, Northern Cape, and Western Cape, emphasized their vision of seeing Africa thrive and the importance of working with the community for empowerment. “This ECD is not for the principal but for the community. That is why For Afrika invests in communities—to ensure that by 2032, some of the children who started at this centre are able to thrive on their own. Community development is our mandate,” said Adel.
“I am out of work, and I am incredibly happy to see a newly built brick ECD. I started working with For Afrika in 2018, and today, I am thrilled to have a brand new ECD. Thank you, For Afrika,” Thandiwe expressed.
Parents and community members participated in the handover of Ekhayeni. This is the second ECD built by For Afrika in Bloemfontein, with plans for another centre in Thaba Nchu. Additionally, For Afrika provides monthly porridge to ECD centres in Thaba Nchu, Botshabelo, Bloemfontein, and other areas where they operate.
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