JEFFREYS BAY – A dedicated team of students from The Leadership Experience LXP is working against the clock to transform the Sisikelelwe Daycare in Ocean View, Jeffreys Bay, from an informal settlement crèche into a vibrant, formal learning environment.
With assistance from Jozell Mentoor as the project facilitator, project manager Davidene Mentoor leads the ambitious renovation effort.
The team includes project secretary Zintle Krayi, project treasurer Yonda Mapili, and team member Reatile Khosa.
The project, which began on 20 October, faces a tight deadline of 10 November to complete the comprehensive transformation.
Mentoor said that as part of The Leadership Experience LXP year-long programme, they must embark on various projects, with one of them being a renovation project.
The Leadership Experience LXP, based at the Victory4All centre in Jeffreys Bay, currently hosts 12 students who have travelled from across the country to participate in the Christian discipleship programme.
Four of these students are specifically dedicated to the daycare renovation project, working with an ambitious budget of R50,000 to achieve their transformation goals.
Mentoor said that the comprehensive renovation plan includes transforming two classrooms with interior and exterior painting, installing age-appropriate wall art, tiling floors, and providing new furniture.
The team also plans to create an outdoor playground, ensuring children have both indoor and outdoor spaces that are colourful, good fun and safe.
“Our goal is to change the situation of the crèche in the informal settlement and make it look formal with a formal structure,” said Mentoor.
“The renovation aims to address the needs of principals, parents, and teachers while creating an environment where parents have an easier time leaving their kids for work, as well as trusting the school with teaching their children good principles.”
Mentoor further said that they want to create a place where the little kids will be more motivated to go to school and ensure children have a space that is colourful, fun and free.
She said that the renovation seeks to equip the facility to host the kids for education and comfort while planting seeds of spiritual growth from a young age.
For Mentoor, the project holds deep personal significance as she aspires to be a teacher soon.
“Renovating part of the crèche is a dream come true as I am able to interact with the children,” said Mentoor.
She said that the renovation extends beyond physical improvements, incorporating the programme’s Christian foundation.
Mentoor said that they also use the opportunity to interact with the children by reading Bible stories, combining practical community service with spiritual engagement.
Despite having secured some materials, she said that they would appreciate any additional materials.
In addition, Mentoor said that they are actively seeking local community involvement, hoping to have more local people join in to assist with the renovation project.
Their detailed project plan includes phases for mobilisation and planning, procurement and preparation, renovation and installation, and final handover with a celebration for the children.
“We are focused on creating an inviting, warm, colourful and safe place for the kids with the ultimate goal of transforming the informal crèche into a formal school similar to a kindergarten,” said Mentoor.
For more information, contact Davidene Mentoor at 073 618 7889 or email davidenementoor65@gmail.com.
