PUMLA Gigi, born and raised in Cape Town, realised a dream when Iqhawe Crèche and After School Care was opened in Lingelihle, Cradock, at the end of last month.
Pumla was working for Old Mutual in Cape Town as a computer programmer but developed a love for children and their needs in the light of poverty, unemployment and domestic violence.
She realised that education was a powerful tool that could change the world, which is why she chose the name “Iqhawe”, meaning a place where heroes are made.
“I decided to move to Cradock in 2012 to plough back into the community as much as possible,” she explained.
She is currently employed by the local ACVV as a student auxiliary worker and is still in training until July.
Rev. WV Tengo of the Union Congregational Church of SA has kindly given permission for Gigi to use their little church at 5606 Florida Street in Atlanta, Lingelihle, during the week. At present the classes will run from Mondays to Thursdays at 14:30 to 16:30.
This early child development centre is for children whose parents cannot afford to send them to a creche.
Gigi is presently working with orphans, as she noticed that many of these children dropped out of school as a result of alcohol and substance abuse.
They then struggle with their schoolwork and fall behind. The aim is to assist those children in order to perform better and also do relevant referrals if there is any need.
The centre needs paper, a black board, chalk, pencils, pens, erasers, rulers, sharpeners, crayons, reading books, magazines, building blocks and puzzles, mats, plastic cups, plates, spoons, toilet paper, buckets, containers for drinking water and much more.
They also need paint, hard board, thick cardboard boxes, small tables and perhaps a carpet to cover the cement floors. Kindly contact Pumla Gigi (0732699071) or Thalita de Wilde (0739332997) if you can help.