Central SA
An innovative toy library launched at Welkom Preschool─── ZENANDE MPAME 09:57 Fri, 02 Jun 2023
A new toy library was opened at the Thabong Memorial Preschool on Thursday 1 June 2023, thanks to a partnership between Standard Bank and a non-profit organisation called Cotlands, this organisation is devoted to Early Childhood Development (ECD).
This project seeks to improve young children's educational opportunities and advance inclusive play-based learning in the community.
The Toy Library Hub will empower ECD practitioners and foster a love for learning in the hearts of young children. PHOTO: Zenande Mpame
The Toy Library Hub will provide support and essential resources to 10 early childhood development centres located within a 30 km radius of the preschool.
“This initiative aims to ensure that children living in the area have access to quality early learning play materials, but also the practitioners who deal with children are trained and skilled in how to deliver play-based learning,” said CEO of Cotlands, Dr. Monica Stach.
HOD of Education in the Free State, Adv. Tsoarelo Malakoane, and the MEC for Education in the Free State, Makalo Mohale. PHOTO: Zenande Mpame
MEC for Education in the Free State, Makalo Mohale said this initiative will go a long way as the most important equipment you could have in an ECD centre are the toys because they play a major role in education and the children are learning while playing.
The Toy Library Hub will provide support and essential resources to young children. PHOTO: Zenande Mpame
“We are really appreciative of Standard Bank for their generous contribution, and we wish everyone could follow what they are doing, particularly because this is a priority area for the department.”
Neil Ferris, Head of Business Banking at Standard Bank in the Goldfields area, said this initiative is for Standard Bank to nurture and grow the youth in making sure that youth is inspired to be the best version of themselves.
From left to right, back: Nozizwe Dladla, Thembi Ndubane (Cotlands), John Moshadi (Standard Bank), HOD of Education Adv. Tsoarelo Malakoane, MEC for Education Makalo Mohale, Nolwazi Nkeane (Standard Bank), Angi Bezuidenhout (Cotlands); and front: Evelia Mohakala and Lebohang Mokoena (both from Cotlands). PHOTO: Zenande Mpame
“As Standard Bank, whatever we do we strive to build our communities.”
Through establishing this toy library, Cotlands and Standard Bank aim to promote inclusive education, empower ECD practitioners, and foster a love for learning in the hearts of young children.
