November 2020.

In a collaboration with Breadline Africa, Perdekraal East Wind Farm co-funded the construction of a special-needs classroom, at Vrolike Vinkies ECD Centre, in Ceres. The launch took place on 6 November 2020, when 20 children were be welcomed into their new classroom for the first time.

Previously, this community crèche was able to care for twenty-four special-needs children, but with the additional classroom, they’ll be able to increase their intake, from the waiting list of 40 children, with special needs, who are in need of Educare.

“This is a blessing for our school as children with disabilities are often neglected and cut out of the learning systems. Now they get the opportunity to be educated in a facility that can meet their needs. Although the one classroom is not enough to accommodate all the children on the waiting list, we are very happy,” said Ms Andeline Coetzee, Principal of Vrolike Vinkies ECD Centre.

One of the facilities added by Perdekraal East Wind Farm and Breadline Africa, is a disability ramp, to accommodate wheelchair bound children. The wind farm is also looking at other ways to support this ECD centre, which will be confirmed in the new year (2021).

Research shows that the importance of correct care and stimulation during the first 1000 days of a child’s life is crucial, and especially so for children with disabilities, who are often overlooked when it comes to Early Childhood Development programmes.

“For many parents of children with disabilities, this formative period is especially challenging, which is due partly to a lack of knowledge about the support available, so we are pleased to help, as no child should be denied access to a proper and caring ECD experience,” said Jo-Anne Brown, Economic Development Manager at Perdekraal East Wind Farm.

The NGO, Breadline Africa, works to help children do better in school by ensuring that they have safer spaces to learn in.