The Sikhula Sonke Blog

Sikhula Sonke Early Childhood Development Organisation Reaches out to the Enkanini Caregivers/parents of children who do not receive any form of ECD s

noreply@blogger.com (Nomzamo) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 13:16:00 +0000

The Nkanini caregivers celebrated an early Christmas when Sikhula Sonke ECD gave them hope and a reason to smile. Sikhula Sonke ECD an NPO based in Harare Square, Khayelitsha, runs A Family and Community Motivator programme in Nkanini. This programme focuses on children less than seven years whose parents cannot afford to take them to a pre-school. The children are visited at home and the caregivers are taught how to stimulate their children. This programme of strengthening families is one many programmes that are run by Sikhula Sonke ECD.

When the Sikhula Sonke fieldworkers started working in Nkanini they were faced with the reality of abject poverty that faces the children and their families. They discovered that these families sometimes sleep without food; the children do not have warm shoes and clothes to wear in winter. Sometimes during home visits some caregivers are out to the dumping sites to find food. These are vulnerable children whose dreams are deferred or even die before they even grow up. It is needless to mention the illnesses that are attached to this kind of an environment,
Touched by this situation the Sikhula Sonke ECD community workers decided to make means to find them Christmas food parcels. These are very helpful to bring relief in their plight. The Claremont Methodist church (founder of Sikhula-Sonke ECD) members and friends of Sikhula Sonke ECD made it possible for these families to find a reason to smile and keep up the hope.

Parents, caregivers and children flanked by Sikhula Sonke ECD Family Community motivators (on Green T-shirts) after health and nutrition workshop which ended up with food parcel gifts organised by Sikhula-Sonke ECD.

This event was held on the 25th November 2010 at the Ithemba Apostolic Church of Zion in the community where these people live at Enkanini. These families are in the process of seeking ways to do income generation projects, however the children during this waiting process are starving and their development is affected badly. We are appealing to anybody who can to reach to these families through Sikhula Sonke ECD. We are in 35-903 Cephe Crescent, Harare Square, opposite spar supermarket, Harare, Khayelitsha or call us at 021 363 0057. Contact Person: Thembakazi Nxesi (Project coordinator).You can also email us thembi@sikhulasonke.org.za

Teachers graduate to lay solid foundations

noreply@blogger.com (Nomzamo) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 13:11:00 +0000

On Friday the 3rd of December 2010, Sikhula Sonke hosted and celebrated a graduation ceremony for our Basic Assistant Teachers’ training. In total there were 37 learners who graduated and received certificates of competence in facilitating all components of active learning and practicals in early childhood development.

The assistant teachers are placed in Educare Centres around Khayelitsha, and most of them are the neediest centres that need support and mentoring. The Sikhula Sonke training not only assists teachers but also offers ongoing coaching and support for the entire educare centre, which impacts highly on the quality of education received by the children.

One of the learners appointed to speak during the event Ms Mirriam April from Nonkqubela Educare shared an emotional story of how the programme has helped her to grow in the care for children. She encouraged Sikhula Sonke staff to grow and be a fountain of knowledge for generations to come.This is indeed an inspiring feedback from the learners that Sikhula Sonke is contributing towards greater good of providing quality pre-education to the children of Khayelitsha.

Meet our new Executive Director

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Wiemers) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 04:21:00 +0000

My name is Nomzamo Princess Nkosazana Landingwe and I am born and bred in Cape Town. I have qualifications in social and political studies, I have an extreme interest in community development and I have been working in this field for the past 10 years.
I have been blessed to work in organisations that have invested in my training as well as giving me exposure to the most complex communities. One of my best experiences was working with Higher Education Student Leadership at the South African Centre for Organisational Development, to facilitating practical solutions to HIV and AIDS and Poverty at the United Nations Development Programme. In 2006 I became part of the social development programme of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa as a program manager. It is here that I have learnt a deeper understanding of “Mission and Service” and of what is meant by poverty and starting with what you have. During this time I was involved in assisting urban development to deep rural social action in villages of Mozambique.
When I reflect on the work of the organisations I have been part of, I know that this is God’s plan at work in my life. In this part of my journey I have begun to experience God and to be a part of the Word shared in Mathew 19: 14: “Let the children come to me”.
I have been working for Sikhula Sonke Early Childhood Development since April 2010. It is such a joy to work directly with the beneficiaries, in particular the women and the children, as this is one ministry that is close to my heart. The programs of Sikhula Sonke continue to teach me about child-centred approaches to development. From the beginning of my employment, I have been part of steering the implementation of ELRU’s Family and Community Motivators Programme (FCM) in Khayelitsha. This is a new programme for Sikhula Sonke that seeks to extend support and capacitate the parents and caregivers in especially vulnerable areas of Khayelitsha. Through this program we seek to broaden their knowledge of how to develop their children and how to access various services to increase their support network.

To the community of Khayelitsha, the Board and the staff of Sikhula Sonke ECD I would like to thank you for putting your trust in me to be part of this humbling ministry.

Yours truly,
Nomzamo

Investec Vuvuzela Fundraiser

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Wiemers) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 09:01:00 +0000

We would like to say a very BIG thank you to Gillian Scott, Hendrik Du Toit and the staff of Investec Asset Management in London for the generous donation of R12,000. You used an office "fun-raiser" to reach out to a very worthy cause and we really appreciate your care and support in these tough times!

If any of you are ever in Cape Town and you would like to visit our organisation, please let us know!

Warm regards

Wendy Wiemers

Report back on the 2nd Parent Training session for 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Wiemers) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 11:12:00 +0000

The second parental training for 2010 was held at Sikhula Sonke premises on 02 July 2010. A total number of seventy (70) parents attended the meeting. This time we had more males than the last training and this was encouraging. The increasing number of male parents encourages us to acknowledge the development of children as not only female parental responsibility. The meeting started at 9.30h00 a.m. It was opened with prayer, some exercise and games.
The new Executive Director, Nomzamo and the Program Manager, Mdebuka Mthwazi were the lead facilitators in this training. We had speakers from different circles of Early Childhood development. The partnership in the presentations with other organisation is to encourage the parents of Khayelitsha not to take Early Childhood development for granted but to understand ECD as a highly recognised intervention in early years. This training had three themes:
1. Health and Nutrition for babies and young children
2. Play and creative play
3. Children’s rights and responsibilities
Nomzamo welcomed the visitors and gave a brief introduction of her and the speakers expected. Mdebuka then followed by introducing the purpose of the workshop and also doing a reflection on the previous workshop. It came out that parents are starting to show active appreciation of their role in the development of their children. They told different stories of their participatory involvement.
Lindiwe of Ethafeni Day Care Centre made a presentation on nutrition and young babies. Parents listened with enthusiasm and asked a lot of questions on this theme. There was quite a robust discussion around this theme. They appreciated the new information that they learnt. One of the parents acknowledged that, she didn’t know that her 6 months old baby weighing 8, 3kg was obese. She appreciated the sharing and committed to follow the right dietary procedures. Most of the participants would like this session to be conducted with them again and also in ECD sites to makes the practitioners more of health and nutrition.
We also had another interesting session presented by the Centre for creative education. The parents learnt a lot about the importance of play and the different types of play like Fantasy Play, Imaginative play and others. One of the parents comment was that, she didn’t know that she deprived her child developmental opportunities when she refused the child an opportunity to play more especially if she is wearing clean clothes. She has vowed not to do that mistake again; she will give as many opportunities for the children to play.

Visit by ELRU and Jim Joel to new FCM program

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Wiemers) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 10:23:00 +0000

We always treasure an opportunity to show others where we work, especially those that we value and look up to, so the visit by ELRU staff and Giuliana of Jim Joel was a treat.
We drove in to Enkanini area of Khayelitsha, where ELRU’s Family and Community Motivator program will be piloted. Our staff are very excited about this program and have spent a few months being trained and mentored by ELRU as well as researching the community and building relationships with the leaders in the area.
It was all systems go this Monday, as our fieldworkers started working with the 20 families that have been recruited. Here follows a brief summary of the FCM Program for those who are interested:
Family and Community Motivator Program Objectives
The FCM programme objectives are situated within the child rights and democratic framework and the programme aims to:
1. Raise awareness around children’s rights.
2. Support the growth and development of vulnerable children from birth to nine years by increasing access to government’s services such as child support grants, with a key focus on the under sixes in home and family settings.
3. Enhance the knowledge and skills of caregivers regarding the developmental needs of children by building on their existing belief and child-raising practices.
4. Support women and men in their role as primary caregivers and encourage men to play an active role in the lives of young children.
5. Promote the inclusion of children with disabilities, chronic illnesses, HIV and Aids and displaced or refugee children.
6. Use a rights-based approach to address the power inequalities between men and women which leave women vulnerable, sick and dying.

The Methods and Approaches of the FCM Program
This objective requires methods and approaches that:
• Locate the programme within a recognised and committed community-based consultative and management structure.
• Use a baseline survey to provide information about the child and primary caregiver needs for planning and programme design.
• Develop and implement a developmental learning programme, for the child and the caregiver, which clarifies the tasks of the primary caregivers and the tasks of the motivator, taking care to encourage resilience strategies.
• Develop a cadre of practioners with knowledge and skills in ECD and community development who are the ECD Support and Development Workers (facilitators) and the Family and Community Motivators (motivators).
• Build capacity and sustainability at all levels by using appropriate methods and materials and linking to income-generating opportunities.
• Monitor, support and evaluate the progress of the work and integrate learning from the reviews into the way forward.
• Manage conflict at all levels of the partnerships involved: community, NGOs, government and any other stakeholders.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions,

Nomzamo Landingwe

Sikhula Sonke's Bank Details

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Wiemers) — Sun, 02 May 2010 00:52:00 +0000

For those of our readers who are willing and able to respond for our call for help, our bank details are:
ABSA Bank
Branch 632005
Account No. 4058204765

Warm regards
Wendy Wiemers

Desperate Times call for desperate measures!

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Wiemers) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 09:07:00 +0000

Dear friends

You are now reading a letter that I had hoped I would never have to write.

The reality is that Sikhula Sonke is in financial trouble and we urgently need your help. Since we first opened our hearts to the women and children in Khayelitsha in 2001, we have always lived from hand to mouth. Thanks to the generosity of our faithful supporters and by the grace of God we have deposited and invested R3,2 million in our training and support programs since inception. But in this tough economic climate, it is becoming increasingly difficult to raise sufficient and timeous funds. At the same time the demand for our programs increases as the impact of our training and support is felt across the pre-schools of Khayelitsha.

New doors are opening for us to begin reaching out to the 80% of children and parents outside of Early Childhood Development Services, and new partnerships are being formed with other NGO’s working in our area.

Please be assured that we are always proactive about finding new donors and supporters. We have been instrumental in drawing up a Khayelitsha District ECD Plan and in the formation of the Khayelitsha ECD Stakeholders Forum, and we have requested financial support from Government for the execution of this plan (we are still waiting for a decision) which we are 100% committed to. We have submitted proposals to the National Lottery for the last 4 years and along with the South African Education Trust have taken them to court for rejecting our application and appeal for spurious reasons (the Court date is set for the 18th of May 2010).

We continue to do whatever is within our power, and we have faith that in the medium to long-term, our financial situation will be much healthier. It is in the short-term that we need urgent help.

Currently we employ 8 staff members at a total salary bill of approximately R60, 000 per month. Please will you consider making a once-off donation or becoming a monthly donor? We are a Public Benefit Organisation and can provide you with a tax certificate.

And once again a very big thank you to all those who have given and continue to give.

Yours in community service,

Wendy Wiemers

A report on our work with the ECD Assistants 2009/10

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Wiemers) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 09:41:00 +0000

Sikhula Sonke has continued to strengthen and grow its capacity as community development champion and as service provider in community of Khayelitsha. In the beginning of this year, Sikhula Sonke was presented with the greatest opportunity by the Department of Social Development to facilitate the process of the of the development of the ECD assistants (previously known interns) to acquire skills in all the relevant area around early childhood development, while at the same time focusing on developing the Early childhood development plans for our Khayelitsha Social Development district office. This has been performed in consultation with all the ECD stakeholders in Khayelitsha. The ECD assistants have played a crucial role in these activities and given them an opportunity to learn and gain more experience.
This has been a great experience with lots of great things to be proud of, with successes and achievements to celebrate. It has also been very strenuous, hectic and a very challenging with lots of learning opportunities as well. It is our responsibility as the Sikhula Sonke team and the DSD district office to be accountable and serve the stakeholders of the ECD field to our level best and beyond. This report will provide a more in-depth of the activities and progress of the ECD Assistant’s project.

10 ECD Assistants were placed in Khayelitsha Social development District office in June 2009. Out of 10 ECD Assistants, 8 of them were new in the programme and two of them were already working in the programme at the district office. One ECD Assistant was placed within Sikhula Sonke’s offices after three of them were offered a contract of employment by Sikhula Sonke.

Sikhula Sonke and the Department of Sikhula Sonke has invested in the PROFESSIONAL AND CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT TRAINING OF THE ECD ASSISTANTS by training them in the following:National ECD guidelines; the Cycle of community development; Children’s rights and the Child’s Care Act; Child Trafficking by JUSTICE ACT; Communication and leadership; the Minimum standards for ECD; a Knowledge building seminar on Early Childhood development by UNICEF and Psycho-social support training by OLIVE LEAF FOUNDATION.

The main tasks of the ECD Assistants involve:
•Visiting ECD sites to assist the unregistered sites meet the minimum requirements / standards so that they can be registered.
•To encourage and ensure proper delivery of the ECD programs in the centres.
•To report on issues around child safety and protection
•To assist those who need to re-register their ECD Sites.
•To take part in the general admin duties of the Department of Social Development.

Sixolile Mxunyelwa started in September 2009. This was Sixolile’s first job in his entire life and he was not sure what to expect from a professional world of work. A week after the educational seminar in Paternoster (West Coast) the real work started both at DSD and on ECD sites. He pushed so hard in assisting the educare principals to such an extent that he only has 4 unregistered centres under his name. Most of them are registered and looking at assisting the registered one with improving their standards.
“I learnt both from my colleagues, my co-ordinator and from Sikhula Sonke ambassadors on how to conduct myself professionally. The knowledge building seminar organised by UNICEF contributed a lot in empowering myself around Early childhood development, thanks to you Mdebuka of Sikhula Sonke”

Masilakhe Mahlombe also started with the programme in June 2009. Sikhula Sonke introduced Masilakhe to the concept of early childhood development. Masilakhe was glad to meet other ECD assistants at grassroots educare trust from various district offices of the Department of Social Development. He understands perfectly the goals of the EPWP to reduce unemployment through this programme and prepared himself to learn as much information as he can.
“ We have experienced what working in the ECD field is like and Knowing that the children are the valued members of the community”.

Concluding remarks from Mdebuka Mthwazi, the Program Manager of Sikhula Sonke:
"The level or the degree of synergy and professionalism that these ECD Assistants have shown in this project has given me the hope that after this project, most of them will make professional characters. It has not been easy to lead this project from both Sikhula Sonke’s side and the district office side. We hope that in the New Year the channels of communication will improve from these partners for the sake of the development in this project.

A very big thank you to our Argus Cyclists

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Wiemers) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 09:14:00 +0000

I would like to thank those special people for raised funds for Sikhula Sonke while completing the strenuos Argus Cycel Tour. I estimate that approximately R17,000 was raised in total. And of course a very big thank you to all those who gave generously! The hero of the day was definitely Superman Frank who raised just under R13,000! Thank you Frank.

Patch work quilts for sale

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Wiemers) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 09:07:00 +0000

We are making and selling patchwork single and double quilts and other items with African traditional materials (shweshwe fabric). Please contact Wendy to place an order at +2784-467-1163 or wendy@sikhulasonke.org.za

How can you help?

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Wiemers) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 08:56:00 +0000

Sikhula Sonke Early Childhood Development
Khayelitsha

According to a recent report, of South Africa’s approximately 19 million children, more then 43 per cent live in violent or unsafe environments. Within the Western Cape the numbers are no better and the situation is compounded by the fact that fewer than a quarter of under-six year olds receive formal pre-schooling. The statistics may seem disheartening and the challenge insurmountable, but Sikhula Sonke is one of many wonderful organizations channeling their energy and expertise into making a difference to the lives of pre-schoolers.

As an Early Childhood Development organisation, Sikhula Sonke ECD believes that parents and caregivers are uniquely placed to protect and promote the rights of children and to support optimal development during the early years. To equip them for this crucial role, Sikhula Sonke seeks to build capacity and to provide quality training, support, monitoring and mentoring.

Educare practitioners are able to register for FETC ECD Level 4 training, which gives them the tools, knowledge and confidence to deliver preschool education to the children in their care. Additional training is also offered covering topics such as financial management, health (including HIV/AIDs), accident prevention and nutrition. Through the monitoring programme, trained monitors visit educare practitioners in their pre-schools and help them to put their learning into practice on a day-to-day basis, providing ongoing support and mentoring and assisting them to get their pre-schools registered with the Department of Social Development.

Training for parents and caregivers focuses on empowering them to play an active role in nurturing their own child’s advancement physically, emotionally, socially, as well as educationally. The emphasis is on building the skills and capability of parents, helping them to understand how young children learn and develop, and teaching them how they can most effectively contribute to this vital life phase.

There is a desperate need for high quality pre-school education within highly vulnerable communities like Khayelitsha and Sikhula Sonke’s important work has to date reached over 65 educare centres that together care for 4000 children each year. Sikhula Sonke means ‘we grow together’, and this truth can be seen being lived out daily through the organisation’s work, as parents, carers and educators together make an enduring difference to the lives of hundreds of children, providing them with the firm platform they need for success in later life.

We need:

1. Money:

- for the upgrade and furnishing of an educare centre (approx. R45,000 per school)
- for the training of an educare practitioner (R12,000 each)
- for the creation and planting of sustainable food gardens at the pre-schools

Items:

- paper, crayons, arts and crafts materials, puzzles, books and toys
- Computers and office equipment

Time:

- to organise and support fundraising events
- to make patchwork quilts for our "Sewing for Sustainability" project
- visit our Coffee Shop in Khayelistha and see our work.

Contact: Wendy Wiemers, 021 683 9440
wendy@sikhulasonke.org.za www.sikhulasonke.org.za

Mama V's story

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Wiemers) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:17:00 +0000

"On the year 2007 I started at SikhulaSonke and registered for Basic training in Early Childhood Development .By this time, my self esteem was very low because of abuse I was getting from my partner. This was a very stressful moment for me because I had no one to share this pain .Relief for me was only when I joined Sikhulasonke because they taught me lot of things, even on how to deal with such problem. This time I had no clear idea on how to handle children in preschool but through the knowledge I have received from this organization I am able to teach and care for children. One of the great things that inspired me was to discover that everything was done in a holy manner .Everyday before the class starts we pray and the Facilitator gives us some time to share.

I thought everything was starting to be fine but I was wrong because at the beginning of 2008 my husband got sick to an extent that he had to stay out of work. I kept on praying for him and for the sake of my kids. Through the unity we had at Sikhulasonke, my peers gave me strength by encouraging me to be open about my problems. This was not easy for because I am shy person. The other day at Sikhulasonke I met a lady called Tersia who is professional counselor .Tersia was a good listener ,therefore I managed to talk to her .The lady prayed for me and gave all the support I have needed and the words of comfort. These are the skills that have been transferred to me to listen to children as well.

I thank God by giving me a chance to part of Sikhulasonke because I have learnt a lot and now I am strong. Apart from doing basic training in Early Childhood development, I have managed to move to an upper level .Now I am just handing in NQF level 4 Portfolio of evidence. In terms of child’s development, I can proudly say that I am able to design a learning program, environment, activities and provide a comprehensive care for children. The learning equipment that is supplied by Sikhula- sonke through their toy boxes is helping us a lot in terms of children’s development.

All of the above has played a major role in the development of my ECD .The facilitators at Sikhulasonke are always keen to show us whatever necessary to develop our centres...I prefer to always refer people to Sikhulasonke because of everything they have taught me. This organization has been built under Christianity, therefore there are high morals and values and is operating in a professional manner.Sikhulasonke has made great difference not only to us as students but to Khayelitsha at large in different areas. This organization does not only focusing on one program like ECD, they also have HIV and AIDS program. It feels good to see our children graduating at the end of the year as well as adults who are doing basic training .Our advantage is that Sikhulasonke is in our doorsteps in Khayelitsha so we don’t spend much money to attend classes.

I and my educare would be nothing without Sikhula-sonke!! God bless you!!I’m also proud to have chosen to work with children, and I would like to continue making a difference in children’s lives, Sikhula-sonke must continue to empower the people Khayelitsha to nurture their children. Mama V. Monwabisi park, Khayelitsha

Rest in Peace, my brother

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Wiemers) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 09:54:00 +0000

This morning I would like to pay tribute to a very special man who passed away yesterday. He was a Malawian man who worked as a domestic servant to various families in South Africa over the last part of his life. He was honest, humble, gentle, compassionate and extremely hard working. He leaves his wife and children devastated at their loss, and his young wife extremely anxious and afraid as to how she will support her 3 children (including their 1 month old baby girl) from here on. Nothing short of a miracle is needed for her to be able to carry on financially from here on. The desire of her heart and the rest of the family is to transport his body home to Malawi and lay him to rest in the country of his birth- an undertaking that requires many thousands of rands.
I once was challenged by a preacher who spoke about how we could change our country slowly and collectively, if each wealthy, privileged family in South Africa was to support 1 or 2 other more needy families throughout their lives. What better place to start than with those people who work in our homes and in our gardens?
This man was unjustly treated by many employers over the years. He was falsely accused of theft, spoken to like he was dirt, forced to work 7 days a week for 10-12 hours per day, expected to go cap-in-hand for his wages when he was paid weeks after pay-day. And yet, he never lost his faith or stooped to the level of those who treated him badly. He was respectful and patient, and would always pray for those who “persecuted” him. His death was totally avoidable, had he had the money to see a decent doctor, and felt able to take time off his work to do so.
Please, I am appealing to all employers of domestic servants, you have a God-given responsibility to treat your employees with respect, kindness and compassion. Pay them a decent wage that allows them to educate and feed their children. Allow them time off to visit the clinic when they are ill- perhaps even go so far as to take them your GP and pay for the visit. Challenge your friends when you see they are treating their employees unjustly- don’t be silent. Give them enough time off to recover from a very physically demanding job, especially on weekends. They should not have to beg for time off to go to church with their family on a Sunday. We will account for how we treat all people, especially those who live and work in our homes

Argus Cycle Tour Sponsorship

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Wiemers) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 12:25:00 +0000

Please will you sponsor our riders as we fundraise for our pre-school teacher training program?

The race takes place on Sunday 14 March 2010. We have a team of 5-10 cyclists who will be cycling for Sikhula Sonke's training programs. You can sponsor 50c, R1, R2 or R5 per km, with 109 Km covered per rider.
Please Contact Wendy Wiemers if you are interested in cycling or sponsoring at wendy@sikhulasonke.org.za or 0844671163. Donations can be deposited in Sikhula Sonke's bank account- details below.
ABSA Bank Claremont
Branch 632005
Account No. 405-820-4765

Warm regards

Wendy Wiemers

Graduation Time -2009

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Wiemers) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 06:35:00 +0000

Sikhula Sonke is training and mentoring more than 60 Educare centres at present, and approx. 1,500 children leave these pre-schools to enter the formal schooling system in 2010. It is logistically impossible to have a combined Graduation celebration for all the children at the same time, and so once again we have held a ceremony for a few of the smaller pre-schools in our fold. It was a very special time to mark an important passage of the childrens’ life-journey, with proud parents and family joining to sing and celebrate. Thank you to Mdebuka and your team for another well-organised event. To all the children and parents we say, stand firm as you face the many challenges and problems that will come your way as you continue to seek wisdom and knowledge, and remember that you are not alone- we have our families, friends, community members and most of all a loving Heavenly Father who will never leave us and who has a special plan for each of our lives!

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Wiemers) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:48:00 +0000

Job Title:	Non Profit Executive Director		Job Category:	Senior Management
Location:	Cape Town, South Africa		Travel Required:	Occasional
Level/Salary Range:	Negotiable based on experience		Position Type:	12 Month contract, flexi-time
HR Contact:	Wendy Wiemers		Date posted:	November 10, 2009
			Posting Expires:	January 31, 2010
Applications Accepted By:
Fax or E-mail: 021-674-3924 or wendy@sikhulasonke.org.za Subject Line: Executive Director position Attention: Wendy Wiemers		Mail: The Board of Directors Sikhula Sonke ECD P.O. Box 23122 Claremont 7708
Organisation Description: Sikhula Sonke ECD is a Non Profit Organisation that was born out of a project of Claremont Methodist Church in 2001. Our mission statement is as follows: Sikhula Sonke's primary reason for existence is to offer free early childhood development training and support to the parents, caregivers and pre-school teachers of young children in the Khayelitsha township of Cape Town, South Africa. Our organisation has a strong Christian ethos. Please look at our website for more information at www.sikhulasonke.org.za. A detailed job description is available on request.
Job Description
Role and Responsibilities Program development and administration Financial Management Communications and Public Relations Human Resource Management Fundraising Board administration and support Qualifications and Education Requirements Minimum of two years experience working in a non-profit organization, including supervising paid and volunteer staff and working with a volunteer Chairman and Board of Directors. Bachelor's degree in a related field. Successful experience raising money and managing fundraising programs. Proven ability to obtain grant funding. Experience in non-profit fiscal management, including fund accounting, budgeting, and grant management. Other Skills required Demonstrated ability in written and oral communications and interpersonal skills. Proven ability to develop and execute a strategic plan. Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills. Computer skills (M.S. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Pastel, internet, etc.). Understanding and basic knowledge of early childhood development. PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS A leader who can articulate a vision and motivate people to act with a shared vision. An individual whose style is at once decisive and direct as well as collegial and approachable. A person who is accessible, supportive, and flexible. An executive with a "hands on" approach to work and a passion for results. A good listener who inspires confidence and trust and is open to ideas of others. An excellent manager who respects and supports the capabilities and independence of staff and volunteer leadership. A person with integrity, a good sense of humor, and a high level of energy.

True Voices Concert Fundraiser

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Wiemers) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 09:11:00 +0000

The Sikhula Sonke team would like to say a very big thank you to the 6 members of the True Voices a capella singing group- Bryony Poulter, Antoinette Blyth, Lesley Jennings, Grant McLachlan, Kevin Smuts and Patrick Cordery, for the concert last Sunday afternoon. It was a very special occasion and will be long remembered by all those who attended. The delicious scones prepared by Janet Glanville, Bronwyn Cross and Jennifer Poulter were also really enjoyed.

Founded in 2000, True Voices has established itself as one of the leading vocal ensembles of its type in the Western Cape. The programme consisted of sacred works by, amongst others, Weelkes, Lassus and Monteverdi, as well as secular arrangements of popular folk songs including songs by Billy Joel and the Beatles. More information about this special group can be obtained on their website- www.truevoices.co.za

With appreciation,

Wendy Wiemers

Who says you can’t work and have fun?

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Wiemers) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:57:00 +0000

I had the great privilege of spending a weekend at my holiday home in Paternoster with 12 special young adults last month. They are employed by government to work in the Khayelitsha district as Early Childhood Development Assistants, and we have been contracted to mentor and train them. We managed to use the few days we had for team building, training and planning and still had time for walks on the beach, sunsets, and fireside bonding. We were also so blessed to see whales very close to the shore enjoying the beautiful spring weather.

We finalised the Draft ECD Plan for the Khayelitsha district which will be presented to the stakeholders this week, and then budgets and action plans will be finalised. Our goals are as follows:

To complete the registrations and re-registration targets set by the District.
Training of ECD Practioners:

There must be regular, 1 or 2 day training sessions for all ECD practioners, whether in registered or unregistered sites. Topics covered must include governance, service plans, financial reporting, quality ECD. It is very important that ECD practioners become aware of all other forms of ECD, like playgroups and day mother care.
We must continue with the NQF training at all costs, and we should have a plan that outlines how many practioners can be trained each 18 month period by all the training providers in Khayelitsha and beyond.
Sikhula Sonke is committed to continue offering their fortnightly Assistant teacher training program, covering many aspects of child care and development for those practioners who are not able to attend an NQF qualification.

Training of Parents

There is a growing frustration and disappointment at the lack of involvement and support of many parents in Khayelitsha. We would like to address this problem through regular training and awareness raising.
We would like to use the UNICEF National Parental Training program as our starting point.

Support of ECD Forums

We are committed to supporting these forums as much as possible, and we will have regular meetings with them to ascertain their needs and follow through wherever possible.
Design and Implement a Child safety campaign for Khayelitsha
Establishment of an ECD Training and Resource Centre in Khayelitsha:

This centre will include a toy and book library, as well as a place where all forms of ECD are advertised and encouraged- The Family in Focus program of FCW; The Community and Family Motivator Program of ELRU, the playgroups program of Grass Roots.
This centre could be the central office for the development and implementation of an Emergency plan for children.
The ultimate goal of such a centre would be to work towards having all children in such form of early childhood development program, as opposed to focusing on only those 30% of children that are in an Educare Centre.

The completion of a detailed database of all Educare Centres in Khayelitsha, with a grading system of their needs and quality of provision.
The Design and Implementation of a suitable Numeracy and Literacy campaign for Khayelitsha.
The Design and Implementation of a proper Baby Care Training Program.
Advocacy and Lobbying with the City of Cape Town around issues arising to the registration of ECD sites.

Here follows a letter from one of the ECD Assistants:

Firstly, I would like to thank the following people for making this event possible and for making sure that, it is a success.

1. Wendy for letting us stay in your house.

2. The facilitators Mrs Tshaka, Mr Zatu, Mr Mdebuka and Mr Mase.

Being new in this position (ECD assistant) feel that this event was a great introduction for me to this field /position and it has made me realise that "Every child has right to the best possible start in life".Through this experience I have gain much knowledge that will be useful in carrying out my duties at work. It is in my duty to visit the ECD centres to check / monitor their daily operation in line with the relevant legislative framework and minimum standards set out for these ECD centres.

I strongly believe that, with the knowledge and experience that I have gained in workshop /Training /awareness; I will be able to give a clear direction and advice to the centres that I will be working with.

As a new member of the team, I have observed and studied the behaviours and attitudes of each member. Now I can assure you that I will interact well with my team and my contribution will be handy in achieving the team goals and objectives.

From Sixolile Mxhunyelwa (ECD assistant)

A testimony of one of our trainees

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Wiemers) — Tue, 19 May 2009 18:08:00 +0000

I just want to thank you Sikhula Sonke for everything that you have done for me. I am powerful because of you. I knew nothing but because of Sikhula Sonke I learn a lot of things, and even now I'm going forward. You teach me things that I didn't know and you didn't look at my grade. When I have problems you support me and when I ask something you answer me. I was blind but now my eyes are open. You open my mind. Even now it's not hard to look after my children. I'm free because I know how to deal with my parents that are sending their children to my pre-school. When you teach me, you teach me about these things:- RESPECT, NEATNESS, COMMITMENT, LOVE AND COMMUNICATION as the ground rules.

Last year I passed my course known as the Basic ECD qualification. This year I'm doing the Level 4 ECD qualification. I'm proud because I'm still at Sikhula Sonke. You are the strength of my heart. You have helped me heal spiritually, physically and mentally. I don't know how to thank you. My pre-school is getting a higher position because of you. Thanks for your training. You are a star!

Written by Nokulunga at Arise and Shine Educare

Time to sing

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Wiemers) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 04:18:00 +0000

Time to sing
Originally uploaded by wendywiemers

For those of you who have ever had the privelege of hearing the women sing and want to hear them again, here you go- just press play!
Our 2009 class of assistant pre-school teachers has reached 50 people this year, and we are very pleased to have our first male pre-school teacher starting with us.
They were singing with Lynn Swart, a South African musician, living in Manchester and working in missions and worship at Ivy Cottage, who was visiting us. Such joy!

Graduation 2008- Distribution of Edu-Toy Boxes from Viva Network

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Wiemers) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:26:00 +0000

Edu-toy boxes Report

Addressing: Early Childhood Development

Through the sponsorship of the Housley Bequest, Sikhula Sonke has been able to provide 20 Educares situated in the heart of Khayelitsha Township with educational toy boxes as improvement grants, directly addressing the developmental needs of over 400 children a year.

Sikhula Sonke operates in Khayelitsha were +/-150 informal pre-schools are run by unemployed, untrained women. Most operate from shacks, are hugely under-resourced and have insufficient classroom space or outside play areas.

Sikhula Sonke exists to meet the desperate need for quality pre-school education by training and empowering Educare workers in Early Childhood Development. They ensure that the 2,500+ children in their educare centres have access to processes and services that enable them to thrive physically, mentally, emotionally, morally and socially.

Creating and strengthening learning capacity

To this end the organisation has specifically elected to focus on creating and strengthening the capacity of formerly unemployed women who have established ECD facilities within their local communities in Khayelitsha. Their training enables parents and caregivers to render effective care, protection and stimulation to young pre-school children. The stimulation and some the aforementioned objectives are developed through play and for the child to play he/she needs developmentally appropriate materials or toys. Therefore these playing toys and books are not just 'nice –to haves' but essential learning equipment.

Edu-toy boxes where presented as awards for commitment to quality improvement

The Champions for Children programme managed the creation and distribution of the donated educational toys to the educare centres that are taking part in Sikhula Sonke's teacher training programmes. These Edu-toy boxes were awarded to rightful and deserving school on the 29th November 2008 at Sikhula Sonke's Grade R Graduation Celebration. They work with close to 40 pre-schools so a certain criteria had to be followed by Mdebuka, the manager to carefully choose the Educares to receive these Edu-toy boxes. The selection criteria was as follows: (1) The schools with no equipment at all but with a willing and dedicated teacher to children's programmes were the first to be given; (2) Those most improved schools because of the implementation of the teacher training programme; (3) Commitment to attend the training programmes; (4) Those who have been members of Sikhula Sonke for a longer time with a substantial lack of materials; (5) The new pre-schools that are also showing potential and commitment to development.

Some of the schools are Bukwayo Educare, Little Star , Yizani sakhe , Kuyasa Educare, Sandezwe Pre-school, Sinoxolo Educare, Sakhe Educare, Khanyisa1 Educare, Zukolwethu Educare, Bulelani Educare, Miracle Educare, Khulani Educare.

The impact of this development grant on the children

These Edu-toy boxes will assist more than 400 preschool children every year in the most progressive way. This includes creative art activities; educational block and puzzle activities for the 2-3 year old children; both the development of small and large muscle development. It will develop and increase the vocabulary of the young children through the story books that have been included and are language, age and culture appropriate. A large number of children will develop their literacy through the 'my body' chart and poster that is included in the toy box. "This means this will make a difference to a large number of children more than the ones we graduated this year" – Manager.

Meaning of the toy box to the practitioner

This means a lot of motivation to the teachers, less frustration with children fighting over the educational materials. Good lesson planning and room arrangement to enhance the development of young children can only be achieved if you have playing equipment for children. This means that the Edu-toy boxes will improve teacher planning skills. The excitement as they received the Edu-toy boxes showed that at least one problem has been solved; they are encouraged, motivated, equipped to do their jobs better.

Thank you

"All these pre-schools will open in January more excited than in other years"

Mdebuka, the manger and all the staff and parents would really like to thank you for your donation. It has been such an encouragement that you have chosen to assist us once again in our struggle to rise up children that can become productive happy educated school learners of South Africa. The Board and staff of Sikhula Sonke also send their greetings and thanks. We really seek to transform pre-school education in Khayelitsha and we appreciate your partnership more than you know.

May God bless you abundantly in this 2009!

Compiled by Justine Demmer, Network Champions Promotion Manager SA and Mdebuka of Sikhula Sonke.

Report on the Healing of Memories Weekend Workshop -10 to 12 October 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Wiemers) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:20:00 +0000

Each year we send 20-30 Educare Practioners on this workshop and it proves to be life-changing for everyone who attends. According to its vision statement, the Institute for the Healing of Memories “seeks to contribute to the healing journey of individuals, communities and nations.” This work is done through workshops, seminars and talks and through developing processes for dealing with negative emotions and leading to reconciliation. This website provides an overview of the Institute’s work.
http://www.healingofmemories.co.za/

This report is written by Mongezi Mngese of the Institute who was the main facilitator on the weekend.
“I trust that the events of the last two months in our beloved country will remain the story of the past. We can only draw lessons from those events, but not to repeat them. I am referring to our political scenario in our landscape. It is difficult to measure our progress in what we are doing when there is so much intolerance amongst the leaders in South Africa. It is clear that we are carrying a lot of baggage from our painful past and the only way we can manage the current situation is to deal with our selves, as individuals.
Having said that, we have to create some spaces for all to share their emotions and feelings. This can only work to our advantage as it will lessen the tensions that are present at the moment. Talking of outstanding issues amongst our leaders, there are structures that are catering for our children and Sikhula Sonke in Khayelitsha is one of them. We are grateful that those women at Sikhula Sonke are given an opportunity to take care of themselves. IHOM create a space for them. Looking after our children, they are confronted by all the challenges that are facing our society. This is what we refer to as a multiple wounded-ness. For those women to give love to our children they themselves need care and we are providing that at least.
These are some of the comments written by the women at the end of the weekend:
• I feel relieved as a result of today‘s celebration. I am lighter than I was when I came on Friday.
• Friday was very tough and painful for me. The story telling was a highlight – knowing that I am not alone was such a relief to me.
• I am now filled with extreme excitement, happiness and love in my heart.
• I am happy and have a power to press on.
• Yes, I was looking forward to this workshop, got excited when it started, but later on I was emotionally touched – the stories moved me so much.
• What a celebration. I enjoyed every moment of it.
• I am different than I was on Friday. This is because I shared my story.
• I was very angry and now am a different person.
• Okay, there is much difference in me. I managed to let off some of my baggage. Other participants assisted me to map my own path and they encouraged me.
• I have shared as much as I can and now feel much lighter
• I know that I was born for success, but lately things were not going that well for me. This workshop had revived me – I know exactly what went wrong and what I have to do to correct that.
• I am feeling better now. When I arrived here I was so stressed, angry, confused and anxious. Now I am feeling relieved and refreshed.
• Many thanks to the organisers for the manner they treated us.
• The workshop was so enriching and fruitful. Our facilitators were amazing.
• The workshop was so great and I wish that these workshops could reach all our teachers and our children’s parents.
• I felt at home, I even managed to share some of my deep issues which I have never shared with anyone.
• The workshop is still transforming my mind... hoping to take a step at a time.
• I am born again. I am happy that I decided to attend this workshop and the devil will be no match to me anymore. Thank you to IHOM we were treated very well.
• The facilitators must go on with the good work.

One of the participants expressed her gratitude that Sikhula Sonke gave them an opportunity to attend and participate in this workshop. She mentioned that the timing this year was even better as most women are about to prepare for the end of the year functions for their preschools. We in IHOM are happy to have these workshops with the mothers of our nation. Many thanks to you, Wendy in particular, and your team, for affording the mamas this space. Bra Daiz! I do not know how you do it but, YOU ARE A STAR. Good Luck!”

Excite ECD Conference Oct 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Wiemers) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 13:58:00 +0000

I am very happy to report on a successful 2008 conference. I was feeling quite stressed before and during the conference, because as usual I did not delegate enough of the tasks to others and felt quite overwhelmed –message to self “DELEGATE!” I was also very disappointed by the low turnout from our Khayelitsha community. We did advertise long in advance of the conference, but I hear from Mdebuka that there was another Grade R training session happening in Cape Town, and that some teachers were not able to come as they were needed at their Educares. This poses the question of whether we need to have the next Conference on a weekend or in the school holidays.
I felt that the program was well put together, but quite full and that we did not have enough time for practical exercises and small group work. I also know that the Xhosa speaking delegates struggled with so much English- next year we will have more Xhosa presentations and a translator available.

We were very excited that a group of primary school children were able to join us and act out a play that they wrote themselves on Child Abuse.

The cost of the Conference was approximately R4,500.
I have included some of the comments from the conference, which were very helpful.
• What was the best moment of the conference?
o The DVD Movie
o Learning more things
o The conference was very special to me and I learn a lot
o The DVD shown me how to treat children and at home, I want to tell my community that we must protect children
o I am excited to use the Persona Doll approach with my children
o The story of Ishaan on the movie was very special
o The best session was on Child Protection, and I am excited about the Child Protection Policy
o The conference was very special
o We were encouraged to do our best for educating young children
o The Persona Doll workshop was best
o The movie of the boy with dyslexia
o Everything!
Did the whole Excite conference meet you expectations and was it relevant to your needs?
o Yes, very much so
o Yes, I was given tools to be sensitive towards all people, especially children
o I am going back to my centre full of pride and I am going to make a difference
o Yes, especially the movie
o Yes, it was well presented and understandable
o I would like more practical experience with the Persona Dolls
o The Children’s act session could be improved.
o It made me more aware of children’s’ needs
o Keep us up to date with what is happening in ECD
Do you feel the need for another conference in future? If yes, what suggestions would you give?
o I would suggest the conference be in September because October and November are very busy
o It would be great to have a certificate of attendance
o I would like more info on opening and operating an Educare
o We need more practical sessions and exercises to keep alert and awake
o You must invite parents and community leaders
o Please have an interpreter available on all the sessions
o Please include more videos
o Please have more practical activities

Every Child is Special

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy Wiemers) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:30:00 +0000

Hi friends

I bought an Indian art movie last week called "tare zameen par" that touched my heart and made me laugh and cry. It illustrates so beautifully the power that a teacher or parent has to transform a child's life with love, understanding, acceptance and patience.

Have a look at the website http://www.taarezameenpar.com and find out where you can purchase or view the movie- it is a real gem!

Love

Wendy