CEO of FNB Public Sector Banking, Mr Sipho Silinda together with the CEO of SANParks, Ms Hapiloe Sello and the Skukuza ECD Principal Ms Sarah Gillespie
By Kopano Dibakwane
The Skukuza Early Childhood Development(ECD) Centre received a major boost in the form of classrooms and a storeroom which were donated by First National Bank(FNB) and handed over to SANParks (South African National Park) on Friday 3 May 2024.
The ECD Centre, which is said to be a non-profit organisation(NPO) registered with the Mpumalanga Department of Education, reportedly provides foundation-phase education to children of SANParks staff members, concessions and other residents in Skukuza.
The Centre is also said to be a feeder to the Skukuza Primary School with over 95 pre-school learners ranging from 18 months infants to 5 year-old Grade 00 children.
According to SANParks Communications Officer, JP Louw, the facility operated with four classrooms of children in four grades namely, Bush Baby(18 months to 2 years), Hippo(2 to 3 years), Giraffe(3 to 4 years) and Lion(4 to 5 years).
Louw added that the addition of two classrooms and a storeroom has assisted the Centre to expand its facilities to accommodate more children, as the four previously existing classes became oversubscribed in the last few years due to more children who joined in.
SANParks Chief Executive Officer(CEO), Hapiloe Sello, officially accepted the newly built classrooms and a storeroom on behalf of the Kruger National Park(KNP) and said the handover ceremony will be remembered as an occasion that signaled a foundation towards the development of tomorrow’s future leaders.
“ A strong building requires a strong foundation, which in turn requires a strong cornerstone. Our children who are beneficiaries of these facilities today are the future of this country and that is why it makes me proud to be part of today’s occasion,” said Sello.
The Centre reportedly exposes the young learners to unique themes focusing on environmental and conservation imperatives, which vary from day tours, lessons and demonstrations such as Ranger Club Day, SANParks Veterinary Team lessons, anti poaching patrols, visits to Skukuza Indigenous Plant Nursery and the Skukuza airport.
The Chief Executive Officer of FNB Sector Banking, Sipho Silinda, said FNB has a long-standing national ECD programme as part of playing the part in helping to bring quality education to the future generations. Silinda furthermore urged the community of Skukuza to look after the ECD Centre as it will benefit everyone for more generations to come.
“ Education is fundamental to the growth and can make a positive difference in the young lives of children. Furthermore, it encourages young children by stimulating their thinking and expanding their learning and development,” said Silinda.
