This week, the childcare centers reopened – under strict hygiene and precautionary measures.
The closure of the support facilities hit disabled children and young people particularly hard. Not only did the children’s daily support and demands cease from one day to the next, but for many of them, regular meals in these facilities were also vital. For many of these families, the closure poses a major threat. Under the leadership of Eric Nkoana, the Occupational Therapist, and Morongwa Magongoa, the Child Care and Youth Development Program Manager, a home-based rehabilitation and care program was initiated. It was important that the parents and guardians did not leave their disabled children to fend for themselves, but instead tied in with the daily work at the center. In addition, the families were all regularly supplied with food by Ndlovu. In this way, the severe consequences of the lockdown could at least be mitigated to some extent.
The children and young people are delighted about the reopening. Many of them have been longing to be active again. Last week, the staff invited all parents and guardians to find out in advance about the new routine and the new rules.
The preschools also reopened last week – subject to strict prevention measures. The Ndlovu Care Group is convinced that early childhood development plays an essential role in the development of children’s social skills, intelligence, language and creativity. Children need routine and often parents are not able to stimulate the little ones appropriately, especially during this difficult time. Moreover, many skills are only acquired through interaction with peers. For this reason, it has been decided to reopen preschools under strict rules. The aim is to ensure that the children can take part in regular school activities next year.
