We have recently launched the Mandlakazi Food Security Project, a donor-funded project that provides each school with a 10m x 15m garden. In each garden, we have planted hardy vegetables such as spinach, cabbage, tomatoes, onions, sweet potatoes, peppers etc. The idea behind these particular veggies was to improve their diets and provide the necessary nutrients needed by young growing children. You can read more about this project under Mandlakazi Food Security Project.
The Mbuzeli creche in the Vungama Community takes care of 53 children below the age of 5. It was built by the game reserve and Leopard Mountain Lodge in 2008. Ivy, the crèche teacher has been with the crèche since inception and continues to further her studies with the support of African Spirit Lodge.
The uBhejane creche in the Sekane community was built and opened by the Foundation in 2014. Since this is a relatively new crèche, we have 20 pupils registered at this little school. Our crèche mother, Lethiwe is incredibly passionate about this school, something that comes across in her daily lessons and activities with the children. Set in an extremely rural setting, this creche is hard to reach which makes it that much more rewarding that we’re able to provide these families with the support they badly need.
In April 2016 we rebuilt the uBhejane creche, thanks to a generous donation from P.Trimborn Agencies. The original crèche was a prefabricated building that didn’t handle well against the elements and the rebuild of the new crèche ensured a solid structure, including a kitchen and toilet.
Lots of volunteered time went into the painting and beautifying the crèche over many weekends, we are very grateful to all the helping hands that crafted the crèche to look bright and welcoming. The uBhejane crèche rebuild generated a lot of interest and lots of donations started to come in all forms from toys to stationery to clothes, this resulted in a fantastic starter pack for the crèche which was handed over to them after completion.
The official opening of the uBhejane crèche was held in November 2016. You can read the full story here.
In 2018 we began building a new crèche in the Inkukwini community. This community is situated on the North-Western boundary on Manyoni Private Game Reserve. With both a high school and a Primary school in the area, the community lacked a creche where younger children could safely spend their day. After a few meetings with the community leaders we found a suitable place to break ground, and the Mzamoyethu crèche, meaning ‘our efforts’, was born.
We opened the new creche at the beginning of 2019 and 29 students were enrolled. Our creche teacher Mrs Qwabe has proven to be a dedicated and joyful addition to this little school. The children in her care are full of beans and love to share the songs and English verses that they have learnt to any visitor in their school.
All 3 of these creches are located in impoverished communities with limited access to running water and power. If you are interested in supporting a monthly food drop of R6000 which feeds all 3 creches, or donating clothing, stationery, toys or want to contribute something bigger, please contact us on info@Zululandconservationtrust.org