The DA Breede Valley Municipality is thrilled to have been part of the process to turn what was used as an illegal dumping ground into an education centre that is set to change the lives of residents in the community.
Following requests to assist in accommodating a crèche in the Hek Park community, the municipality recognised the need and the potential and immediately set about providing land for the crèche. Once the site had been identified and made available, the municipality also cleaned up and fenced the area. It also engaged the private sector for donations and assistance in making the crèche a reality.
With the help of the private sector, a container was provided and more are in the pipeline. The crèche currently provides for 45 children and has 11 staff members. The children are provided with a meal for breakfast and a meal at lunch time.
The CC Scheepers crèche, named after Pastor Scheepers who had lobbied tirelessly to have a crèche for the community, is an example of the DA’s commitment to maximise the quantity and quality of early childhood development opportunities in municipalities.
With the help of the private sector, the municipality intends to set up a play area, a vegetable garden and an after care facility for the nearly school on the property.
Breede Valley Executive Mayor Antoinette Steyn said they are proud to be a part of this project, to take a patch of land that was a dumping ground for rubbish and turn it into something positive and uplifting for the community. Mayor Steyn added that these children were the future leaders of the community and had to be given the best possible start in life.
Mayor Steyn thanked the community of Hek Park as well as all those that donated containers, money or supplies to make the project a reality.