Update
KNYSNA NEWS - Despite Tinkerland preschool’s best efforts to improve their circumstances, they experienced their fourth burglary in the space of a month.
During July the preschool in Concordia, Knysna had three break-ins, the first being on 2 July and the last on the 29th – and as if that wasn't enough, there was another one on 7 August.
The school’s principal Elmarie Maxim said these break-ins constitute serious setbacks for them: “We are busy getting our building up to date and ready for registration We are adding two more toilets, a storeroom and stabilising the floor.”
But the building also still needs constant maintenance, and the school needs educational material and toys on an ongoing basis.
On 1 and 2 August, they held a fundraiser towards installing burglar bars, “and maybe security cameras or an alarm system", Maxim said. "There’s no way we can afford to have a security guard here.”
Now in its fourth year of existence, Tinkerland managed to raise R2 940 during the fundraiser in the form of stylish pre-owned clothes for sale as well as hearty meals.
She reiterated that these break-ins are currently their biggest setback "emotionaly and financially".
“It feels as if they are stealing a part of me every time there is a break-in. Financially we cannot afford any setbacks. Our renovations are currently on hold because we can’t afford the labour.”
During the most recent burglary, the principal said, all the food that was supposed to feed 83 children until end of the month was stolen.
During July, they lost money, a computer hard drive, a kettle, DVD player, building material, food, hand sanitisers and toilet paper to the thieves.
Maxim said despite the obstacles, the school has experienced growth since it opened. “There’s no way I can look past Tinkerland’s growth. The number of people we’ve been able to offer employment – even if it was temporary for some, the number of children we’ve been able to help in their childhood development, the pride in the children who went to Grade R at Tinkerland… We always offer a helping hand in Concordia. There is a joy I feel that cannot be replaced by anything.”
Would you like to help?
Anyone who is in a position to assist Tinkerland can contact Elmarie Maxim on 071 012 8094 or email her on elmarie.maxim@gmail.com, or donate funds directly in their Standard Bank account no. 086032828, using account name "Knysna ECD Forum" and "Tinkerland" as reference.
Read a previous article here: Concordia preschool plagued by break ins
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