We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of you, Fiona Darling, Edith Brosnan, Glenys O’Malley, Peter Hickman, Kathy Gogarty, Jane Hardy and Suzanne Jobling-Purser, for your unwavering support and generosity towards Masande Educare Centre. Your contributions have truly made a profound difference in the lives of the children and the community they serve.

Established in 1997 by Principal Cynthia Ntlama, Masande, has been a beacon of hope for countless children, providing them with a secure and nurturing learning environment. In 2002, Breadline Africa stepped in, providing a 2x6m joined container classroom along with essential toilet and office facilities.

Over the years, as the pre-school expanded and enrolment grew, the need for additional facilities became apparent. Once again, Masande turned to Breadline Africa, and thanks to your generous support, a new 6m container toilet facility was made possible. This facility, featuring three girls’ toilets, three boys’ toilets, and three hand-washing stations, has transformed the daily lives of the children and staff.

Liyema Ntlama, the deputy principal and a former student of Masande, beautifully encapsulates the impact of your kindness: “I would like to express our gratitude to Breadline Africa; you wiped away our tears. You are the only organisation that has consistently assisted us without hesitation when we sought help.“

In the long term, the impact of this infrastructural support is immensely significant, as it ensures Masande’s compliance, retention of registration status, and continued government funding, securing its long-term sustainability. Your commitment to education and community upliftment resonates deeply, inspiring hope and fostering positive change.

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Principal Nosabatha Lukubeni started the pre-school in her own home with just one child and within five months, the number of children had grown to 10. The need in the community continued to grow and she now has 34 children, with many more wanting to join. All the children and teachers were using one dilapidated shack for the classroom and kitchen. There was only one small, unhygienic toilet. The structure was unsafe which meant that the pre-school was not eligible for the government subsidy.

Recognising the pressing need for change, Breadline Africa collaborated with partner True North, along with generous donors: Lactalis Steri Stars, Donhead Preparatory School, Daemon Solutions, Sasha Lee Taylor – Learn to Read Learn to Lead, Thyne Jacobs, Francois van Coke, Even Ground, Brown Forman and Stichting Mzamomhle / Wilde Ganzen. Together, they made it possible for Kuhleke-Inathi-Mbalie Educare to receive a brand-new centre.

The official handover ceremony took place on 23 November 2023, with Breadline Africa International board members, the ward councillor, the True North team and donors, Sasha Lee Taylor, Lactalis Steri Stars and Daemon Solutions in attendance. The new facility marks a significant improvement, providing a safe and conducive space for learning.

Expressing her gratitude, Nosabatha explained that everyone associated with Kuhleke-Inathi-Mbalie Educare is considered family – and she went on to tell the attendees about the profound impact of the transformation.

Sasha Lee Taylor, one of the key contributors, had visited the centre earlier in the year and expressed her excitement at witnessing the remarkable transformation.

The collaborative efforts of Breadline Africa, True North and the dedicated donors have undoubtedly made a lasting impact on the educational prospects of the children at Kuhleke-Inathi-Mbalie Educare.

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Lusemanzi Early Childhood Development Centre, led by Principal Lorato Duma, was established in 2013 and has been a cornerstone of early education in Orange Farm, Gauteng and provides educational services to a diverse group of 192 children, aged between 2 and 6.

•  Breadline Africa started supporting Lusemanzi in 2017 with a classroom, following an arson attack and severe storm damage.

• On 5 October 2023, with the generous support of local retailer, PNA, we have provided additional structures, including an office, two additional classrooms, a dedicated sickbay and eight much-needed toilets. Additionally, Breadline Africa provides porridge for the children’s daily morning meal.

• Expressing gratitude, Principal Lorato Duma shared the impact of the new infrastructure, stating that it not only enhances the dignity and safety of the children but also assures parents of their well-being. Previously, due to limited classrooms, health inspectors had recommended transferring some children to other centres for safety reasons, but parents resisted, placing pressure on the principal to find a solution.

• Janine McEvoy, Business Development Manager at Breadline Africa, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the transformative power of education during a child’s formative years.

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Life changed for the better for the 87 children and teachers of Esididini Community Project on Saturday 19 August 2023 – four low-flush toilets and hand-washing station replaced the two pit toilets that were the only facilities available prior to the placement of the new units.

Esididini Community Project was established in 2004 by Goodness Nhlengethwa and is a pre-school located in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal. Goodness is a teacher, and she was approached by some local parents to ask her to help them prepare their children for school and keep them safe during the day. In the years since its establishment, Esididini has become more than just a pre-school, several community development projects are being implemented at the centre.

Goodness expressed her gratitude: “Thank you for your generous donation of toilets to our institution. Your contribution has already made a significant impact on our crèche and the lives of the children, parents, teachers, and community members we serve. The addition of these new toilets holds immense importance, not just for us, but for everyone using these premises regularly.”

She added that the little ones were overjoyed by the new toilets. “They now have clean, safe, and hygienic facilities, which will improve their overall comfort and well-being. No longer will they have to worry about using inadequate or unsanitary facilities, allowing them to focus better on their studies and playtime!”

The parents added their thanks, saying that they were delighted that the children now have access to modern and clean toilets. They explained that it gave them peace of mind, knowing that their children’s health and hygiene were being prioritised.

The facility’s governing body chairman, Sandile Nhlengethwa had the last word: “Your donation of toilets has already begun to transform Esididini. lt has brought smiles to the faces of our children, relief to the hearts of parents, and pride to our community, and ease to our teachers. Your generosity is making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve, and we are profoundly grateful for your support.”

The whole community came to witness the new toilets being signed-off and demonstrated – there was great celebration, with a lot of singing and dancing!

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Impact achieved

Khulani Day Care Centre is located in Botrivier, a small town with approximately 10,000 residents, situated in the Overberg region of the Western Cape. They recently received a 40m² classroom and 15m² subdivided kitchen and toilet facility, which replaced two unsafe shack structures.

The project was originally earmarked for support by the Arabella Homeowners’ Community Trust and pre-assessed by Breadline Africa’s implementation partner, the Enlighten Education Trust. Breadline Africa’s donors, including P Gogarty, P Hobbs, D Sowden, J Francis, N Solomon, G O’Malley and the trustees of the Gilander Foundation made this project possible.

Principal, Portia Biyephi explained that the pre-school had started under modest circumstances in 2009, when she realised the great need in the community for early childhood development services.

She added that, over the years, she has spent many hours developing the school into what it is today. “My resources for infrastructure were limited, the roof leaked, and the classroom was not conducive for impactful learning, but I kept on improving where I could, with the help of the community. I was so excited when the Arabella Homeowners’ Community Trust  contacted Breadline Africa and they confirmed that they would be able to assist me. I am so grateful for the new classroom, kitchen and toilets that the school has received.”

Director of the Enlighten Education Trust, Magriet Peter, said: “We are so grateful for our partnerships with Breadline Africa, Arabella Homeowners’ Community Trust and Portia. On behalf of Enlighten we thank each one of our partners for walking this road with us. On this journey we don’t only prepare our youngsters for school and for life but we also ensure long term sustainability of our educare centres in our communities.”

Lou-Anne Lubbe from the Arabella Homeowners’ Community Trust explained that David Sowden, one of the Arabella owners and a longstanding Breadline Africa donor, suggested that they contact the organisation to find out if they could assist Khulani Day Care Centre with much-needed infrastructure. “Like Portia, my heart is so filled with gratitude and in the absence of the homeowner who made all of this possible and who initiated this, I would like to thank David for making this wonderful connection and I wish he could have been here,” she added.

Breadline Africa’s Partnership Manager, Caroline Tinsley added her congratulations and thanked Breadline Africa’s generous donors for their support. She wished the children many happy years of learning in the new facilities.

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Mthimkhulu Smart Kids Educare is celebrating their 10-year anniversary this year, and they made it even more special by officially opening their new 30m² prefabricated classroom with toilet on 26 July 2023.

Located in Proteadorp, Kleinmond, South Africa, Mthimkhulu Smart Kids Educare stands out as one of the few early childhood development centres in the area. It is known for its effective management and receives support from the Grail Centre Trust.

Selected by the Arabella Homeowners’ Community Trust and pre-assessed by Breadline Africa’s partner, Enlighten Education Trust, Mthimkhulu Smart Kids Educare was chosen to receive infrastructure assistance, making their new classroom possible. Magriet Peter, Director of the Enlighten Education Trust, expressed gratitude for the successful collaboration between organisations in the field of early childhood development. She acknowledged the partnership with Breadline Africa, Arabella Homeowners’ Community Trust, and all those involved at Mthimkhulu Smart Kids Educare.

Lou-Anne Lubbe from Arabella Homeowners’ Community Trust shared that a homeowner (also a long-standing Breadline Africa donor) proposed the idea to Breadline Africa in November, leading to the realisation of the beautiful, prefabricated classroom. The centre’s efficiency and preparation during the audit in February contributed to a swift process, with the classroom completed by June. She extended thanks to all Breadline Africa’s donors for their support in funding this.

Caroline Tinsley, Breadline Africa Partnership Manager, explained that after thoroughly examining the paperwork during a prior visit, the decision to support Mthimkhulu Smart Kids Educare was an easy one. The school’s strong backing and commitment to preparing children for their educational journey were evident. She emphasised Breadline Africa’s dedication to collaborative efforts in ensuring children leave the centre ready for school.

Principal Alexa August expressed her gratitude to everyone involved in making the new classroom a reality. She thanked God for providing the ability and courage to support the children. She also appreciated the hardworking staff.

The donors from Breadline Africa, including Z Bresilley, MH Osmaston, C Mander, Prof JL Hutton, A Gillespie, J Docherty and Rev J Mole, made this classroom possible.

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Impact achieved

• Last year, Rainbow Kids Daycare and Pre-school had 40 children enrolled. Following the placement of their new infrastructure, they have now been able to enroll 60 children. The new structures have made a significant difference to the pre-school and the community, as it offers a safe and secure learning environment – making it a sought-after asset to the families living nearby.

• The principal’s husband, Bafana Hlongwane was on hand to thank Breadline Africa and Old Mutual Property for the new structures: “They have made it possible for us to have a safe and secure environment for the children. Previously, we were using shacks as classrooms, and could only accommodate a few learners. Now, with the new classrooms, we have been able to expand. This infrastructure is not just for the children, but for the community as a whole.”

• Lanston Foster – Old Mutual Property Head of Operations and Governance, expressed his pleasure at being able to support such a worthy endeavour: “We are absolutely privileged to have partnered with Breadline Africa on this amazing initiative, which we hope will stand the test of time, and remain something that the children and community can benefit from. I hope that our small gesture has contributed in some way to enabling these children to change our lives in South Africa for the better.”

• Old Mutual Property made the day extra-special by providing two jumping castles and candyfloss and popcorn machines. They also hired a balloon artist and spray tattoo artist to make it even more festive. The two enormous cakes and delicious snacks for the parents, along with a huge treat – McDonalds Happy Meals for each child made everyone’s day. The ultimate surprise was a party box filled with even more treats for each child to take home! This was a day that no one will forget!

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Impact achieved

• Xoliswa Mangiya established Zanokhanyo Educare Centre in 1995 and received formal registration from the government for the facility. Over the years, the infrastructure deteriorated in the harsh African weather, and in 2017, the centre was de-registered and the subsidies withdrawn. In 2010 Ntombodidi Barnes, Xoliswa’s daughter, became principal and drawing on all of her limited resources, she was able to build precast Vibracrete classrooms, but lacked the funding to build a kitchen and to replace the portable chemical plastic potties. Sadly, Ntombodidi’s mother passed away in 2021 without seeing the huge improvements to the pre-school, made possible through the generosity of Breadline Africa’s donors.

• The centre received a 22m² fibreglass unit subdivided into kitchen and toilet facilities which only just fitted into the small site. Designed and built by a local boat manufacturer, it doesn’t face the rust challenges that shipping containers do.  Maintenance is simpler and it is more cost-effective than other infrastructure solutions.

• An innovative design feature of this structure is the in-built rainwater harvesting system. Rainwater runs from the gutters into a storage tank that is located under the floor. The tank is about 400mm high and runs under the entire structure. So, the 15m² tank holds 6,000 litres of water which is then pumped up using a small electrical pump for use in the kitchen and toilet facilities.

• Breadline Africa director, Marion Wagner said: “Access to quality education for all is the most powerful instrument we have to end poverty. We need to start with children who are very young, providing them with the foundation they need to write and read for meaning, to learn and develop. The Department of Basic Education is streamlining the requirements for pre-schools to access support but we still have a long road ahead of us. Our appreciation goes to the South African Chamber of Commerce and amazing donors such as AE Collins, T O’Brien, A Walsh and Glenys O’Malley who made this unit a reality.”

• South Africa Chamber of Commerce Director and Chair: Sharon Constançon explained how the Chamber became a Breadline Africa donor: “We took part in the Virtual London Marathon in 2021 to raise funds for Breadline Africa and its ideal as people can do it anywhere in the world. This year, we had participants in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Mauritius, Greece, Spain and England. Nine of us walked on the same day, the same distance and we all completed our routes! When I did it the year before, I was able to select a flattish easy route from my house to the motorway onramp and back again. This time the Marathon clashed with a week away in Spain which meant I had no choice but to follow a very undulating route with steep hills along the coast and my knees still have not recovered!

We raised a lot of money doing something physical, sharing our photographs and our challenges: which included walking or running at night, the cold and the unknown and trying to find a toilet. There was an irony in looking for a toilet when we were trying to solve the same problem for Zanokhanyo Educare Centre. There I was, thousands of miles from Cape Town and I had the same need as these little girls and boys! It’s so special to do something with a purpose and I’d like to thank everyone here for giving me that opportunity.”

• The guests were joined by our UK Breadline Africa ambassador, Jane Hardy visiting from Northumberland, and Etta and David Howard, who have been dedicated donors since 2006.

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Impact achieved

• Matise Ompie established Mivuyo Educare Centre in 2010 with only 16 children – and it is one of the few pre-schools in the community that is run by a male principal! He originally gathered  children in his street who were not attending school and gave them a safe space by offering a day care service. Once the parents saw his dedication and commitment to the children, they encouraged him to establish a  pre-school and properly prepare the children for ‘big school’.

• The centre received a 10m² prefabricated sub-divided kitchen and toilet unit, which was donated by an anonymous corporate donor, who also wanted to get their Cape Town team more involved with the school. With the help of Baz-Art, a local non-profit urban art platform, the team painted a beautiful mural on the new structure and upgraded the pre-school’s small vegetable garden.

• The children received sweet treats and joined the paint-by-numbers activity by creating colourful painted handprints on their new structure.

• “The Breadline Africa team enjoyed collaborating with Baz-Art to create this fun interactive volunteer opportunity using street art with a paint-by-numbers approach allowing the donor company to further uplift the structure and positively engage with the children and practitioners of Mivuyo Educare Centre in a more meaningful way,” said Janine McEvoy from Breadline Africa.

• To their great excitement, each child also received a personalised backpack in December 2022 filled with flipflops, an item of clothing, sweets, stationery items and an age-appropriate Christmas toy. And for those too young for a backpack of goodies? Something equally appreciated – packets of nappies to keep the little ones happy and healthy.

• The Marketing Manager of the corporate donor said: “The partnership with Janine and the team from Breadline Africa was an absolute pleasure from start to completion of the Mivuyo school garden and kitchen / toilet facilities. The immense joy that this involvement brought to our team as well as the kiddies and teachers has been so rewarding. Breadline Africa are doing such phenomenal work in our communities and we look forward to future endeavours together.”

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Impact achieved

• This project will improve the learning facilities for the 67 children enrolled at Station House Educare Centre in Bonteheuwel, Cape Town, Western Cape.

• Prior to the placement of the much-needed 6m sub-divided container kitchen and toilet, the teachers were using part of the classroom as the kitchen facility, and the children and teachers had to share the primary school toilet facilities.

• The launch of the new facilities was part of the World Toilet Day celebrations which takes places on 19 November each year to draw attention to sanitation issues all over the world and educates the public on the effects that a lack of sanitation has. According to Statistics South Africa, 21,6% of residents reported inadequate hygiene at home, and 17% indicated that they did not have running water to wash their hands after using the toilet.

• The children of Station House Educare now have access to clean functioning toilets, important to safeguard their health and to preserve their dignity and in addition, receive hot meals prepared in a clean and hygienic dedicated space.

• International and local board members of Breadline Africa attended the launch and thoroughly enjoyed the performances given by the children.

• In the long term, the impact of this infrastructure is hugely significant. In order to qualify for registration as a pre-school facility and to receive government funding, the centre is required to comply with infrastructure safety standards and regulatory norms set down by government agencies. Infrastructure is always the largest stumbling block, due to costs. The kitchen and toilet facilities will help them on the road to registration and long-term sustainability.

• See link to media coverage: https://www.goodthingsguy.com/people/67-children-at-pre-school-got-new-toilet-for-world-toilet-day/?fbclid=PAAaajoNFT-GX90Z1XjifAJ0FHgQQRdigO_1zqGoh_fu3uEIY2ZzfOEqL6-Js

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Impact achieved

•This project will improve the learning facilities for 38 children enrolled at Nikithemba Educare in Khayelitsha, Cape Town.

•The pre-school received a classroom container from Breadline Africa in 2021, which continues to provide a safe learning space for the children. However, the pre-school needed safe toilets to replace potties which also provided no privacy.

•The new toilet structure kindly funded by The MacFarlane Family Foundation, has restored dignity and provides hygienic and private toilet facilities.

•Breadline Africa provided an alternative eco-friendly building material for this pre-school. This off-grid compost generating toilet is housed within a biomass insulated concrete structure. The dry toilet system separates the liquid and solid matter and turns the odorless waste into fertilizer which is treated off-site. The structure housing the toilets is made from fire resistant, carbon negative materials and also includes a rainwater harvesting and purification system.

•Principal Nosphiwo thanked everyone and explained the difference that these facilities will make to the children by showing everyone what the former plastic potties looked like. To the delight of the children, they all received a party packet to mark the celebration.

•The MacFarlane Family Foundation representative Lynne Jooste, congratulated Nosipho and the teachers for the amazing work they are doing in the community of Khayelitsha. Breadline Africa board member Sir Robert Dunbar thanked Lynne and The MacFarlane Family Foundation for supporting this project wished the pre-school everything of the best for the future.

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Impact achieved

•  This project will improve the learning facilities for the 40 children enrolled at Bavumeleni Educare Centre Mfuleni, Cape Town, Western Cape.

•  Prior to the placement of the new infrastructure Principal Sizeka didn’t have enough space to accommodate her Grade R class. The launch of the new classroom will enable the centre to accommodate more children, with space for age-appropriate learning in a secure and safe learning environment. To the children’s delight, they all received party packets.

•  Principal Sizeka was overcome with emotion and thanked The MacFarlane Family Foundation for their new facilities, stating that the centre has struggled with insufficient and unsafe classrooms for a long time. These will certainly help ease the burden.

•  Breadline Africa board member Sir Robert Dunbar and The MacFarlane Family Foundation representative Lynne Jooste, both congratulated the school, its principal and teachers for the amazing work they are doing in the community of Mfuleni. Sir Robert also thanked Lynne and The   MacFarlane Family Foundation for enabling and funding this project.

•  Breadline Africa provided an alternative building material for this pre-school. Biomass, Recycled Insulated Concrete Structures (BRIC): Biomass (woody material) from alien and fungal-infected vegetation is chipped, treated, and used as the main raw material in these units.

•  In the long term, the impact of this infrastructure is hugely significant. To qualify for registration as a pre-school facility and to receive government funding, the centre is required to comply with infrastructure safety standards and regulatory norms set down by government agencies.   Infrastructure is always the largest stumbling block, due to costs. The classroom and toilet funded by The MacFarlane Family Foundation will help them on the road to registration and long-term sustainability.

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