New crèche for New Rest Valley opened

Quentin du Plooy
In one of the latest success stories of the Vuya Foundation, a brand new multi-million rand crèche has been built in New Rest Valley, Riebeek Kasteel.
New Rest Valley, is an extension to the suburb of Esterhof and now home to this modern new facility for early childhood development (ECD).

The R5.7 million project will meet the educational needs of 80 of New Rest Valley’s youngest residents.
The New Rest Valley crèche is the latest project of the Vuya Foundation to break the cycle of poverty in rural communities where resources are limited.
It is also the result of community involvement by the local NPO Impendulo with key sponsors of the project: the Rotary Clubs of Newlands, Pinelands and the Vuya Foundation.

The Swartland Municipality formed a crucial link in bringing about the success of the project.
At the opening Jo-Ann Krieger, Director Development Services at the municipality, emphasized the importance of Public Private Partnerships and the joy of working with a well-functioning team that shares the same ambitions.

Thanks to support from Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, The Albert Wessels Trust, Corobrik and Stonehage Fleming the fit for purpose centre took shape over the course of less than a year. This sensitively conceived structure was designed by the MAAK, an award-winning spatial practice based in Cape Town
the MAAK specifically focuses on public space and Social Impact Architecture and “are deeply engaged with what it means to be public and how this influences our everyday.” It is in this arena, that their expertise and interests manifest a positive social impact.

Thanks to the intervention of grassroots organisation Impendulo, the developers were able to invest R400 000 directly into the surrounding community through using local artisans and labourers.

The centre will be staffed exclusively by individuals with various forms of Early Childhood Development Training, either through on the job training at an ECD facility or after a college qualification.

Curriculum advisors from the Centre for Early Childhood Development independently evaluate teachers. This will bring years of experience to the staff at New Rest Valley.
On-going funding will be derived from various sources with the first source of funding being school fees. Teachers motivate fund raising events and the Vuya Foundation appeals to the public to fund a child.

Government Subsidies are also available to the Crèche after 12-16 months.
Donor funders make up shortfalls, with food donations further assisting in reducing operational costs.
Pictures: AD Goedhart