The Journey of Ouma Lena se Huis
In March 2006, Cornelia Gillomee, a social worker from Badisa Stilbaai, attended a planning meeting organised by the Hessequa Municipality to discuss Huis Nuut, a shelter for the homeless. There, she met two dynamic women, Jenny Olivier and Marleen Maritz. They applied to use Huis Nuut and envisioned transforming it into a safe house for the children of Melkhoutfontein and surrounding towns. To demonstrate their commitment to potential donors, they began with small, ongoing projects throughout 2007.
By Monday evenings, they held meetings with 10 to 15 women from Melkhoutfontein to identify community problems and build strong relationships. These women also became integral to the Melkhoutfontein Youth Project. Horison-groups for young children were held every Friday evening in Soeterus’ hall, but the growing attendance soon necessitated a move to the community hall. The need for a dedicated space became apparent.
In 2008, Mrs. Viljoen offered her property in Melkhoutfontein for the project. After extensive renovations, Ouma Lena se Huis opened its doors in February 2009. The community responded positively, and regular contributions from the United Church, AFM Church, and Bible study groups from the Uniting Reformed Church ensured daily food provision for the children. More volunteers from Stilbaai became involved, which helped enrich the programs.
In 2010, a dining hall was added, and the kitchen was enlarged, thanks to the generosity of private donors. The centre offered various programs for children, including golf development for boys, ballet classes, Allegro music group, art classes, children’s church, holiday programs, and life skills groups. Programs for adults, parents, and young people included parent guidance sessions, computer courses, and women’s club days.
Between 2014 and 2015, a new building was constructed with Mr. Steven Michaels as the building contractor. The Western Cape Minister of Sports and Cultural Affairs, Anroux Marais, officially opened the new building on 5 September 2015. To ensure the program’s sustainability, the Thalita Kumi Trust was established.
In 2016, Ouma Lena se Huis was registered by the Department of Social Development as an aftercare facility for children aged 6 to 14 years. That same year, Seesterretjies Daycare Centre opened its doors, further expanding the centre’s reach and impact on the community.
Key Milestones of Seesterretjies Daycare Centre
One of the most significant milestones for Seesterretjies Daycare Centre was the move from Ouma Lena se Groot Huis to Ouma Lena se Eerste Huis. This transition allowed the daycare centre to create a more toddler-friendly environment. This change provided a safe, secure, and welcoming second home for all toddlers and preschoolers, with classrooms designed to meet each age group’s specific needs. The new setup included comprehensive learning and educational areas, allowing children to explore and master learning outcomes through play.
In 2022, the daycare centre opened a special needs class, operating in small groups. This class also incorporated play therapy, significantly contributing to the emotional well-being of the children. Holistic child development remains a priority at Seesterretjies Daycare Centre, with all educational areas addressed and full-day programs followed. The inclusion of daycare academy books in the curriculum ensures that perceptual, language, and math aspects are thoroughly covered.
The staff are grateful for the positive feedback from the local primary school regarding the outstanding performance of Seesterretjies children who have moved on to Grade R. The daycare centre also plays a crucial role in training future educators. Since July 2018, Ouma Lena se Huis has served as a campus for NQF level 4 training on Saturdays, with 27 students enrolled in an 18-month course. Many of these students completed their practical training at Seesterretjies Daycare Centre.
Starting in 2024, Seesterretjies Daycare Centre received a five-year registration from the WCED, marking another significant achievement. The staff and community are immensely grateful for this recognition and continue to strive for excellence in early childhood education.
Enrollment Growth
Seesterretjies Daycare Centre opened with 18 children and has grown to 42 children enrolled in 2024. The daycare centre accommodates various age groups, including a 3-year-old toddler group, 4-year-old toddler groups, and a 5-year-old pre-Grade R group. The centre welcomes children from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, as well as those with learning disabilities, fetal alcohol syndrome, and emotional challenges. Traumatised children receive support from a child psychologist, and in 2023, an occupational therapist began providing individual instruction to preschoolers.
Community Involvement
The parent committee at Seesterretjies Daycare Centre includes a chairman and class mother, with all parents actively participating in fundraising projects. The committee meets regularly and provides feedback during Parents’ Evenings. Parents also attend the annual meeting and recognition event at the end of each year. It’s commendable to see parents taking their own initiative with fundraising efforts. Communication with parents is maintained through newsletters, personal conversations, and WhatsApp.
The daycare centre enjoys strong community support, with regular visits from the Fire Department, clinic, police, and various visitors from Stilbaai, all addressing child safety and physical well-being. Additionally, Seesterretjies Daycare Centre frequently receives donations from the Stilbaai community, enhancing the resources and support available to the children.
