Sakhingomso Educare Centre has been operating as a pre-school since 2005, and is run by Phelisa Kanzi, a matriculant in her 20s. Sakhingomso began work with SAEP in 2008 when Phelisa heard from others in the community about SAEP’s ECD Programme.

Phelisa is highly motivated and eager to improve upon the skills she has already secured, and to have her staff trained in a similar manner. They have participated in numerous trainings and workshops, and are making great strides in learning innovative ways of being an organized and efficient NPO, as well as early childhood development professionals with a proper curriculum for the children.

Sakhingomso Educare is constructed on a large piece of open land, which was allocated to the principal by the previous City Councillor for the area. In 2006 they were fortunate to receive a generous donation from Rotary Club Claremont, which was used to purchase new containers to be used as classrooms. Jo Maxwell of the Rotary and Red Hat Renegades organised a donation of chairs, tables and toys for the classrooms, as well as an electric stove and kitchen utensils. In 2008, a group of local Westerford High School students lent their time to paint Sakhingomso’s jungle gym, and American volunteers repaired the leaking roof. The centre was also lacking running water and flush toilets and the Department of Health has warned that both the ceiling and floors must be replaced, however SAEP could actively help to resolve these issues with the help of Wings of Support and Rotary Claremont.