Playschool-Building SOLID Foundations

Last year while visiting the Botshabelo children in their home, I had an idea to set up a “playschool” for them. Something that would add to the already rich and solid foundation being built into their lives. A place “away” from their home where they could have educational play, learn life skills and use their senses to learn about their world.

Our little playschool has been up and running on iKya property, near the Babies Home, in one of the old cottages since February this year. I am blessed beyond words to spend time with the children each week, getting to know them and teaching them about their world.

So far the children have learnt about talking to God, greeting someone, introducing themselves by name, beating to a rhyme with sticks, brass polishing, spooning, tweezing and other household activities. The idea is for them to experience more with their senses, like sorting different coloured objects or rough and silky fabrics, feeling the texture of a lemon or pineapple before it gets peeled or sliced, then smelling and tasting it. The children are also able to proudly recognize South Africa’s flag and are starting to learn the national anthem.

Charmaine Hawksley
Local Volunteer