Emmanuel Day Care Centre in Atlantis was recently recognised for the sterling work in supporting children with special needs in and round Atlantis. Centre Manager Joyce Anderson (photo above) was named runner-up in the Inclusive Education category at the inaugural Heroes of Hope Excellence Awards, hosted by Ladles of Love.
The awards, held in Cape Town at the end of last month, recognised pre-school principals and early childhood development (ECD) leaders for their work in areas including nutrition, education, governance, enterprise development and community leadership. The Inclusive Education category specifically recognised work supporting children with barriers to learning and promoting inclusive practices. The centre, which is located in Nottingham Drive, Sherwood Park, Atlantis was established in November 2000 by former nurse Mary Petersen, who remains involved with the organisation. Petersen was inspired by her experience working mainly with adults with special needs and recognised the importance of early intervention in helping children develop greater independence.
Today, the centre has 79 children attending and works with families from Atlantis, Mamre, Pella and the Witsand informal settlement. Some children are subsequently placed in special or mainstream schools according to their individual abilities. For Anderson, inclusive education is about more than what happens inside the centre. “Inclusive education is one of our most integral ways of promoting community awareness of the plight and needs of people and children with special needs. Placing our children out into schools and back into the community is of paramount importance to us,” said Anderson.
She said the centre’s educational and therapeutic programmes, delivered by its trained staff, were key to its nomination. Running the centre, however, comes with significant challenges. Operating costs remain a major concern in communities affected by poverty and unemployment, while some parents are unable to afford monthly fees. “We are therefore highly dependent on donors and/or sponsorships,” she said. One of the organisations providing support is Ladles of Love through its Nourish Our Children programme. Anderson said the support has had a significant impact on the centre’s feeding scheme, with children receiving breakfast, a cooked lunch and an afternoon snack each day.“For some of our children coming from very poor homes, these are their only well-balanced, nutritious meals,” she said. “A hungry child finds it difficult to learn.” The recognition has also encouraged Anderson and the Emmanuel Day Care team. “I am grateful that our hard work and sacrifices do not go unseen,” she said. “It makes us proud to know that we are on the right track in making a difference.” Her message to parents is to seek assistance as early as possible when a child needs support. “Reach out to us with your child in need. The sooner or earlier might transform their abilities into the future,” Anderson said.
