This particular project has been a big learning curve for us. Things are not always as we would want it to be, neither was there a dummy’s guide to crèche building available. Every time we cycle through this village on Voigts Park, I could not stop thinking about these children. It just irked me that there was no sound of happy laughing children at this day-care centre on the farm. It really pressed heavily on my heart. By invitation from the farm owners, we regularly cycle through this area. The Maverick Cycling Club agreed that is a worthwhile course and made funds available for this project. Our initial thinking was to buy educational toys from Smile for these children, so that they could be more prepared when they join their older brothers and sisters at grade-R. We even had one of the care givers trained on the use of the toys. But as I stood there while painting the walls, with three layers of tracksuit on to keep the first winter cold out and listening to the coughing of sick, miserable children, I realised that the needs here were much more basic. So for now, we have changed the game-plan, used our funds for the following. All the old dusty pieces of foam has been destroyed and replaced with plastic-covered mattresses complete with new fleecy blankets in funky girl/boy colours. Painted all the walls in a friendly blue. Gave all furniture a good old scrub down. Made and installed 3 big black boards. Bought colouring books, crayons and pencils. Most paints and brushes were sponsored by Academy Brushed and Duram paints KZN. Mr. Honey from Hillcrest has custom made the most amazing kids toys in wood-a wonderful and gracious gift. Some trikes were sponsored for the little ones and the swing and slide will go up in the garden soon, another gift from a club member.
It is hard to capture those moments in words, I just wish you could have been there to see the tears in the old gogo’s eyes and the unbelief in the children’s’. Instead of silence, there is now laughter coming from the crèche..... music to God’s ears, no doubt.
The plan to give the trail-builders on the farm, some bikes in good working order, is also taking form. Now, every time you ride through this area, don't be surprised by waving happy children and parents. That is the purpose of these projects - everybody wins. Soon you will be invited to join a club ride from the crèche on Voigts Park farm, so that you can share in your contributions.
Once again thank you to each and every club member for making this a reality – You rock!
The plan to give the trail-builders on the farm, some bikes in good working order, is also taking form. Now, every time you ride through this area, don't be surprised by waving happy children and parents. That is the purpose of these projects - everybody wins. Soon you will be invited to join a club ride from the crèche on Voigts Park farm, so that you can share in your contributions.
Once again thank you to each and every club member for making this a reality – You rock!
