Over 600 young children, aged one to five, who attend Early Childhood Development Centres across the region are now enjoying warm and cosy naps under new blankets this winter, thanks to the generosity of Val de Vie Estate residents and businesses.
The blankets were collected as part of the Val de Vie Foundation’s latest Blanket Drive initiative. The worthy recipients include over 65 Early Childhood Development Centres throughout Franschhoek, Paarl East, Mbekweni, Wellington, Kayamandi, Groenheuwel and Klapmuts.
Across South Africa, many young children are adversely impacted by a range of social and economic inequalities. Global evidence shows that early childhood development through education can help protect children against the effects of poverty as well as enable them to benefit from future schooling.
Each Early Childhood Development Centre has its own set of guiding principles; however, teaching and care typically focus on the holistic development of each child, ensuring a strong foundation for future learning as well as instilling qualities such as belonging, independence and kindness. It is for these reasons that the services they provide are invaluable.
Commenting, Marli van Schalkwyk, Manager at the Val de Vie Foundation said: “Through my work with the Val de Vie Foundation, I have been lucky enough to visit and experience first-hand the outstanding contribution these Early Childhood Development Centres make to our wider community. Knowing that these children will be able to sleep both peacefully and warmly after a busy morning of learning is a great comfort. Time and time again our residents and businesses located on Val de Vie Estate contribute generously to our charitable initiatives. It is something that makes me very proud.”
The Val de Vie Foundation works to fund youth and leadership development programmes, as well as projects of a social or spiritual nature. It follows a holistic development approach in which it also offers mentorship and funding to aspiring entrepreneurs from disadvantaged communities, with the goal of creating much-needed new jobs
