A Somerset West preschool scooped four awards at a national competition last month.
Squirrels Play School in Somerset West was awarded top awards in the areas of mathematics and numeracy, imaginative and creative skills and recycling implementation. “We are honoured that Squirrels was nominated and received these awards,” said principal Colleen Harvett. “We aim to keep making a difference in many children’s lives.”
The school received the awards over several schools in Southern Africa at the 10th annual National Early Childhood Development Awards Banquet, hosted by Preschools 4 Africa and sponsored by Oakfield Farm and Wedding Venue in Johannesburg.
Robyn Wienand, CEO and founder of Preschools 4 Africa and co-chairperson of the National Intersectoral Early Childhood Forum for Registration and Infrastructure, presented the awards.
Various dignatories, including the Gauteng Department of Basic Education’s chief education specialist Faith Tshabalala, attended. Shalom IHS, located in Klerksdorp in the North West, walked away with the National School of Excellence Award.
Said Roxanne Wienand, early childhood development site manager and communications manager for Preschools 4 Africa: “This awards evening recognises those who implement the Play-with-a-Purpose programme with excellence and strive to have a Preschool within walking distance of every child.”
She said quality early learning is critical for a correct educational start and is an effective way to develop equality. “Early childhood development is vital to changing South Africa, as statistics show a decrease in crime and an increase in higher education results, and in the economy by getting the first five years of a child’s life right.”
