On Thursday 14 April Sikhula Sonke officially opened a new classroom in K2 Section, which will be used by our Emthonjeni outreach programme. K2 Section is one of the informal areas in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. 

Emthonjeni is an outreach programme which provides preschool interactions and learning for children whose families cannot afford the basic preschool tuition at formal preschools in Khayelitsha. Our Emthonjeni facilitators run preschool using communal spaces, carrying toys, books and games with them to each space. At the same time we monitor children for learning development and/or difficulties, assist with vaccinations, health screenings, provide parenting resources to parents and caregivers, help with social grants and child birth certificate registrations and also offer psycho-social support to families. 

This lovely classroom and community space was made possible through funding by Solon Foundation and donations by private individuals. It was designed and built by Scottie Dog Enterprises, a local Cape Town company, with the help of some of the K2 fathers. 

Thanks to Wynberg Girls High School who donated Easter eggs for our opening on the 14th. 

We are excited at the opportunities this classroom provides to this community. Thank you to all involved!

Learning experiences are an important part of childhood, and so Sikhula Sonke includes outings as part of our Emthonjeni outreach programme curriculum. This month we were privileged to be able to visit Eagle Encounters at Spier Wine Farm, in Stellenbosch. Eagle Encounters has a wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and education programme with a focus on raptors (birds of prey) and some other small animals. 

Our children loved the opportunity to meet owls, eagles, hawks, a porcupine, snakes and some farm animals in person. For many of the children, this was their first introduction to wildlife. 

Thanks to Eagle Encounters for this wonderful opportunity for our children. Their engaged staff explained in simple terms, flew the birds for us and offered children a chance to touch and learn about our South African wildlife.  We hope that perhaps one day some passionate conservationists will emerge from this group!