Medihelp Medical Scheme supports crèche in reclaimers community

In the bustling heart of Newtown, Johannesburg, nestled beneath the shadow of a bridge, lies Bekezela crèche – a vibrant oasis in the Bekezela informal settlement. Here, laughter rings out and children play with toys reclaimed from waste in a preschool built entirely out of reclaimed material. Bright artwork colours the space, bringing a sense of joy and beauty to the otherwise dreary surroundings.

The crèche was born from the will and vision of four passionate volunteers: Melphy Silwana, Funeka Mbadu, Noluthando Ngema, and caretaker Justin Ngozo. They recognised a pressing need for early childhood education and to protect children from violence in the community.

Most of the residents of the Bekezela informal settlement are reclaimers, working tirelessly to collect and recycle materials from the city’s trash bins. For these families, every day is a struggle, and their children deserve a brighter future. With no formal training, but overflowing with love and determination, the foursome transformed a dusty space into a sanctuary of curiosity, wonder, beauty, joy, play, learning, and safety.

Serendipity

In early 2022, a pivotal moment occurred when Mimosa School in Auckland Park, Johannesburg ­­­­– a Reggio-inspired school that follows a child-led learning approach and believes in the importance of making children visible in communities ­– connected with the African Reclaimers Organisation. The timing was perfect, as the organisation was about to erect the first schoolroom in the reclaimer community.

Pure serendipity has sparked a collaboration that is changing lives. Every Wednesday, Mimosa’s teachers spend time with Melphy, Silwana, and Funeka, generously offering mentoring and support. Together, they share experiences, insights, learning contexts, provocations, and, most importantly, the belief that Reggio-based education can break cycles of poverty.

Community involvement

As word spread, the caring community of Mimosa embraced the cause. They understood that supporting Bekezela crèche meant investing in the future of the children in their city. The school organises events, inviting the volunteer teachers to participate, fostering a sense of connection and empathy among parents, caregivers, and the community.

Small stipend

While receiving coaching from Mimosa school staff and the Africa Reggio Emilia Alliance to ensure quality creative and innovative education, the Bekezela teachers rely on donations and often they don’t receive any payment. Recently, they could no longer provide a small meal for the children, which led to some children leaving school early or not attending at all.

Generous support from Medihelp Medical Scheme

Because Melphy, Funeka, Noluthando, and Justin have selflessly been doing this work, Medihelp Medical Scheme has stepped in with generous support. It ensures the teachers receive a modest salary of R2 200 per month for at least the next 18 months while also funding kitchen equipment to resurrect the crèche’s kitchen. This allows the volunteers to provide one nutritious meal a day – a small but vital comfort to the children.

The partnership with Medihelp Medical Scheme not only provides financial stability but also uplifts the community’s spirit. The donation ensures that, without financial worries, the teachers can focus on what matters most: building a strong foundation for children to thrive in an uncertain world.

Kindness is the new cool

“We are grateful for the opportunity to show kindness. We applaud the bravery and creativity of the volunteers and the children. We also realise the value of community and collaboration that demonstrate that, when hearts come together, we can create something beautiful,” says Lien Potgieter, Head of Marketing at Medihelp.