Abundance of JOY

Entokozweni, meaning abundance of joy in isiZulu, is a pre-school in Kwa-Nqetho just outside Hillcrest. The school, catering for 30 children from one to five years old, recently benefitted from an incredible upgrade. The new unique and cheerful space utilises eight insulated shipping containers which house classrooms, toilets, a kitchen and an office and storage facility.

Principal and owner of the pre-school, Bonisiwe Gwala, started the school in a church building located on her property. “The school’s facilities weren’t conducive to learning and were cramped, dark, had poor ventilation. The teachers had to pack up the school every Friday so the church could function over the weekends,” says Tayla-Anne Goss from Focus on iThemba.

The Focus on iThemba team, with the collaboration of 34 donors and partners, made Bonisiwe’s dream a reality and the children now benefit from flushing toilets, water sustainability through the installation of a JOJO tank, floor coverings that promote hygiene, and a fun learning environment – as well as a jungle gym.

One of Focus on iThemba’s key focus areas include partnering with 10 local pre-schools to elevate Early Childhood Development (ECD). “With extensive research highlighting the significance of quality learning and nutrition during a child’s first 2 000 days, in terms of crucial brain development, the need for a sufficient learning space for Entokozweni was a priority,” explains Tayla-Anne. *