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A lovely story about a dedicated teacher
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rotary Club of Mtunzini in South Africa was given one ton of ePap (pre-cooked porridge) to distribute among communities that were running out of food and resources. The news spread and many people were helped.
One morning the club was called by a teacher who said the 20 kids who attended her creche (a nursery for young children) in the mountains outside Mtunzini were starving, and she needed help. That is when the Rotary Club of Mtunzini met Bachazile Mgwaba, soft spoken and determined with the heart of a lion.
Her little one room creche stood like a sentinel on a hill overlooking the hills of Nozandla. It was built by her husband because he understood her passion for children. It had only the most basic amenities, but it was a safe place where parents knew their children would be looked after and given a basic education.
Her call for help sent the Rotary Club of Mtunzini into action, which in turn called on their global Rotary friends to help them. The Rotary Club of Cranbrook Sunrise had a working relationship with them and set the call for help in motion, raising over $1,400 which was sent in July of 2021 to help with food and other essential school supplies.
Over the last two years the Nkululeku crèche became a Rotary Club of Mtunzini project. Carpets were donated, organizations sent knitted blankets and presents, they were given books and toys, but the structure stayed the same – one room with a leaking roof and a door opening onto a bare yard.
The RC of Mtunzini could have carried on assisting in drips and drabs or it could find the money to renovate the structure. As inveterate fundraisers, they decided to tap into the wonderful Rotary International network and the RC of Cranbrook Sunrise applied for an International District grant, and came with the funds to renovate not only the little crèche, but also to fence the school grounds, make a play area and rebuilt the latrines.
Clint Harley, a local builder, drew plans and completed a budget for the project, and by the middle of 2022 the funds were in place. Bachazile could not believe her ears when she was told that the renovation project was fully funded and ready to be started.
A kitchen was added, a new door and windows were put in, a second water tank was added and a massive stoep (shelter) was built under which the kids can play and learn – come rain or shine.
Painted bright yellow, Nkululeku crèche has become a beacon of pre-school learning and the pride of the Nozandla community.
The Rotary Club of Mtunzini would like to thank all its members who selflessly gave time to assist over the last few years, the RC of Cranbrook Sunrise in Canada, Mr. Mdletshe, the local community leader for his assistance and enthusiasm, the kids, moms and dads who cheered us on and our heroes Clint Harley, the Contractor and Benoni, the project manager who went beyond their call to make this the prettiest little crèche in the mountains. But most of all, we want to thank Bachazile Mwaba who allowed us to help her.
The RC to Cranbrook Sunrise would like to thank all of its members for their contributions, Tara Plumbing & Heating, Cranbrook and Rotary District 5080 and the Rotary International Foundation for funding this project.
The bright yellow crèche will lay the educational foundation for many youths for years to come.
Lead image: Bachazile, Rotarians and the construction team during the launch. Photos submitted
Submitted by Rotary Club of Cranbrook Sunrise
