The Vukukhanye Educare Centre

The Vukukhanye Educare Centre was established in Chesterville in March 2012 and we are very pleased with the consistent quality of care and education which has been provided by the dedicated staff for the last 13 years. Approximately 45 children attend daily, cared for by 3 teachers, a teacher's assistant and 1 cook/cleaner. The hours of operation are 7:30am to 3:00pm daily, with the formal programme between 8:00am and 1:00pm.

The children live in the neighbouring community of Chesterville and are largely from poor families, cared for by single parents, extended family or other caregiver. The poverty of caregivers places the children at risk of not receiving sufficient early childhood stimulation and inadequate nutrition. The services offered by the Vukukhanye Educare Centre seeks to meet these vital developmental needs.

In addition to the early childhood development services provided; the children are fed breakfast, lunch and a morning snack daily. Partnership with the local Department of Health ensures that standard immunizations are done on-site during visits from clinic staff. Ongoing training of the staff is a priority, and all staff have received child-care training through Phakamisa, and accredited (NQF Levels 4-5) early childhood development training through NELRU and Caversham. The educare centre also benefits from participating in the Cato Manor Preschool Forum, which provides training and support a central resource centre at Inkanyezi Crèche.