ESBONELELO ECD CENTRE A BEACON OF HOPE IN UMZUMBE

By Mthobisi Mbanjwa

• The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development Mbali Shinga has donated essential items to the Esbonelelo Early Childhood Development Centre to enhance the learning environment for the children and staff at the centre.
• Shinga presented the centre with learning materials, toys, desks, chairs and sleeping mattresses for the young ones to use.
• Early childhood development centres like Esbonelelo play a pivotal role in laying the foundation for lifelong learning and success.

Small children in bright red and black tops gathered curiously to find out who this visitor to their early learning centre was.

Smiling warmly at the little ones, the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development Mbali Shinga was at the Esbonelelo Centre to donate learning materials, toys, desks, chairs and sleeping mattresses for the young ones to use.

The Esbonelelo Early Childhood Development Centre in the Ugu District, uMzumbe, stands as a beacon of hope and progress, thanks to the commitment of MEC Shinga.

Following her previous visit, where she identified critical gaps in resources, Shinga returned to deliver essential items that will significantly enhance the learning and development environment for the children and staff at the centre.

The materials donated, including a printer, are all vital for creating a conducive environment for early childhood development. The contributions not only address immediate needs but also ensure that the children at Esbonelelo have the tools necessary to thrive and reach their full potential.

In a significant move a few years ago, all early childhood development centres were handed over to the Department of Basic Education.

The social workers involved in the centres were also transferred to the Department of Basic Education, marking a new chapter in their journey.

This transition ensured that the centres receive sustained support and resources from the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Social Development, further solidifying their role as cornerstones of early childhood education in the community.

As the Ugu district champion, MEC Shinga’s dedication to improving service delivery and uplifting communities has been evident throughout this initiative.

Her hands-on approach and genuine concern for the well-being of the children and staff have left a lasting impact on the community.

Community member Silindile Shezi expressed her gratitude, saying: “We are truly thankful for the support and care shown by MEC Shinga.

“These donations will make a huge difference in the lives of our children and the staff at the centre. It’s heartwarming to see our leaders taking the time to understand our needs and taking action to improve our community.” 

Early childhood development centres like Esbonelelo play a pivotal role in laying the foundation for lifelong learning and success.

By addressing the needs of these centres, we are investing in the future of our children and, by extension, our communities.

Shinga’s visit and the donations made to Esbonelelo underscores the importance of leadership, community engagement, and inter-departmental cooperation in addressing the challenges faced by our communities.