Pre-schoolers

Ndodana enrolled at Dinaledi in 2022 in the Bambi class (for 3-year-olds). He was very quiet and reserved, often engaging in activities that were different from the other children. Socially, intellectually, and emotionally, he was behind his peers. Initially, we considered referring him to a special school, but our dedicated teachers insisted on giving him a chance, believing they could apply their skills to help Ndodana develop.Ndodana was later moved to the 4-year-old class, where his teacher provided him with extra care and support, which helped him improve slightly. However, he still cried frequently, and his parents felt helpless, fearing that he wouldn't make it to grade R. Despite the challenges, our teachers remained committed to him, offering additional attention and encouragement. To everyone's surprise, when Ndodana moved to grade R, he confidently led the dances for our graduation and concert. His transformation amazed us all, and we are grateful for the dedication of our teachers who helped him flourish and reach his full potential. Today, Ndodana is a bright and happy child in grade 1. His parents recently shared feedback, expressing their joy that he is doing well in all aspects of learning.

Early childhood nutrition is critical to supporting growth and holistic development in young children. Our MES ECD centres develop balanced meal plans to ensure the young children attending our programme receive the daily nutrition they need to grow strong and healthy. Tshegofatso*, a two-year-old boy, joined Dinaledi three months ago. Upon arrival, his mother said he would only eat porridge at home. Despite our efforts to encourage him to eat various foods, his mother brought a bowl of homemade porridge to the centre. Unfortunately, our policies prohibited outside food from being brought in. Gradually, we introduced Tshegofatso to solid foods, which initially posed challenges, including difficulty swallowing and prolonged oral retention. However, with our guidance and meal planning, Tshegofatso made significant progress and can now finish every meal served. His progress with eating habits and behaviour and his transformation into a cheerful and lively young boy in his class is a testament to our professional teachers who demonstrate patience and understanding with each child's unique needs at the centre.