KNYSNA NEWS - "After the tragic fires that affected every aspect of life in our beloved community, there was a positive new beginning for the Knysna Education Trust (KET), as we celebrate the momentous occasion of officially opening the KET Model Preschool in Kayalethu South."
These were the words of KET director, Nicola Goodall.
"These past weeks have again reinforced the irreplaceable value of community spirit and giving. We are also again reminded that our children, the most vulnerable and precious asset of our community, are our future and we have a duty to provide opportunities for them to excel in a safe and supportive environment."
"This school will serve to provide a foundation of education and development that will shape the rest of their young and adult lives. As important, it will also serve as a platform to support other local preschools to improve standards, share learning, develop skills and enhance the quality of education provided to thousands of pupils daily. "
"We will utilise this model preschool as a home for teachers, principals, FET students, and volunteers to come and learn and develop themselves. We will create an environment where our wonderful hardworking teachers can learn from the best and from one another."
"We will create an affordable local, accessible place that seeks constant improvement to the benefit of every preschool, staff member and pupil in the ambit of the Knysna Education Trust."
"An ambitious project such as this would not be possible without the selfless generosity and efforts of many people. So many of you have helped turn this dream into a reality. In fact, it is the first model preschool to be brought to life by an NGO five years after the Western Cape department of social development mooted this as a key initiative in the search for better early childhood development (ECD) education."
"The difficulties associated with finding the right premises in the right area and with the necessary infrastructure to initiate an affordable project are legendary. It was thanks to Cape Island Construction, Anne Southy and the Cape Island Construction board who took the initiative to donate this land and original buildings to KET, and that was the platform on which we were able to pursue and realise this dream, thank you."
"Working together with local Rotarians Joan Huskisson, and Derick and Barbara Ikin, together with valuable advice from Canadian Rotarian Lesley Barmania, KET completed the Rotary International Global Grant proposal, for the construction of the model preschool. The successful grant was supported by Rotary Club Knysna, Rotary International Foundation, and District 7080 Rotary Clubs in Ontaria, Canada which consists of five clubs, namely Burlinton Lakeshore, Mississauga Meadowvale, Oakville Trafalgar, Oakville West and Pallgrave."
"Locally appointed Knysna Rotary committee – Micheal Fuurman (president), Doug Emanual, Peter Southey, Joan Huskisson, Alan Warne and Graham Waterstone – assisted with the actual administrating of the grant."
"Thank you to architect Graham Waterston for drawing up and submitting the plans at no cost. We also thank Marike Vreken and her staff for assisting with the municipal applications and to VPM surveyors."
"A very big thank you to Alan Warne for managing the project at no cost and also for donating the kitchen counters, cupboards and safety railings."
"A special thanks goes to Beverly Mackay for believing in KET's work and providing personal funding for this project."
"The lovely artworks and MAP has been provided by KET’s very own Veranique and the Edge Of Africa volunteers completed the internal artwork."
"A big thank you to our wonderful model preschool teachers and principal for setting up and equipping the classrooms under the guidance of Lesly Satchel and preparing the school for our young learners."
A few of the wonderful team members of Rotary Annes from Knysna spoiling the children.
"It remains to be assured that KET will nurture this school as a precious part of our array of services and efforts to provide the best development for each school, pupil and parent associated with KET. We trust this will become a place of joy, laughter, learning, fun and lifelong lessons for thousands of children into the future."
"Thanks to all of you and to the principal, staff and volunteers who now get on with the work of making this a truly valued model preschool and beacon of progress and excellence in our community." Nicola Goodall, Director: KET
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