South Africa: The Free State Department of Education is celebrating Nelson Mandela Day at Boiketlo Day Care. The daycare center situated in Sasolburg is managed by Mantwa Ditha who is the matron.
As a part of celebrating the founding father of South Africa, the department of education visited the daycare center. The officials heard the story of the matron, who comes from humble beginnings and pledged to support her venture.
The matron of the Boiketlo Day Care Centre started her venture from her house eventually moving to a small shack. Eventually, she was fortunate enough to receive land and a mobile structure to operate from.
The journey of the early childhood educator and businesswoman moved the MEC for education Dr. Mamiki Maboya. He decided to take the opportunity to go and celebrate the Nelson Mandela day with her and the kids.
The officials have shared that the Member of the Executive council made promise to the owner of the day care. He assured her that the department will assist her in ensuring that Boiketlo becomes a funded ECD centre.
The department acknowledged that the Early Childhood Development is a very important part of the overall educational development of the nation. The department said, Education plays a fundamental role in the growth of a child. Accordingly, the support given to this Boketio Day Care.
The safety of children is also also critical, said the Member of Executive Council. The intention of the team is to leave the centre looking beautiful and safe for kids.
” Thank you for making the time to come and celebrate this day with us in honour of a giant who made a significant contribution to humanity. We are not here to only donate but to remind ourselves that we have a duty to contribute equally to humanity and change things.”
The department said, “Our government has a vision which is universal access to early childhood development. We need to invest in our people and that investment starts with education to have an inclusive economy.”
“In this economy, no child should be left behind, they must be able to participate in this economy meaningfully. My plea is for you to understand we are not the department of matric but basic education, meaning from 0 years of age. This is where the founfation starts. Together we can definitely do more and better, said MEC Maboya”.