As Kensington Educare Centre, Maitland celebrates its 85th anniversary this year, its children marked the milestone by giving back to the community, baking biscuits and staging a concert for residents at Kensington Home for the Aged on Monday 20 July.

The children also delivered cupcakes and warm beanies to the Kensington Community Centre and Toy Library, while each child received a brand-new teddy bear to take home.

The educare, which is run by the Union of Jewish Women (UJW) Cape Town, started off as a soup kitchen in 1942.

The UJW is a non-profit organisation (NPO) that aims to offer skills training, fund educational programmes and establish crèches and nursery schools in disadvantaged areas.

Principal Fadia Hurling said the centre has been a beacon of hope for over eight decades.

“For 85 years, the Kensington Educare Centre has been more than a preschool. It has been a place where children are loved, families are supported and community is built.

“Every generation has added something special, creating a legacy of care, learning and hope that continues to grow.”

Hurling said the anniversary celebrations were also an opportunity to teach children the value of compassion, community and giving back from an early age.

“When the children baked biscuits and performed for the residents, they shared far more than a gift. They shared joy, laughter and connection.

“They learnt that every generation has something to give and something to receive, and that caring for one another is what makes a community strong.”

Alan Hoffman, co-chair of the board, said the initiative teaches children that simple acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

“Through projects like donating cupcakes, beanies and teddy bears, our children discover that kindness has a ripple effect. Even the smallest act of generosity can brighten someone’s day, build hope and remind people that they are seen, valued and never alone.”

Hurling said as they look to the future, their vision to nurture children who grow into “compassionate, confident citizens who understand that they can make a difference”, remains the same.

“Together with our families, partners and neighbours, we look forward to many more years of learning, serving and building a community where everyone belongs.”

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