Blessed Gérard's Early Childhood Development Centre

The local people of oWhebede - which is one of the communities in the parish of Mangete - which is situated on the north bank of the Tugela (river), asked us to help them build a day care centre. Because of the urgency of the project, we then opened the nursery on 1 September 1994 in a temporary building until the new building was completed. We inaugurated the new building on 29 July 1995. 

In 2012/13, we were able to double the capacity of our kindergarten, which had always been "hopelessly" overcrowded (the kindergarten was built and equipped for 30 children, but was last occupied by 68 children!

At the request of Malteser Hilfsdienst München, Sternstunden e.V. covered the construction and furnishing costs of the extension.

The extension was started on 22 November 2012 and put into operation on 26 February 2013.

We have cared for more than eighty children in the pre-school and crèche this year. Children from families who otherwise do not have access to early education. The goal of all pre-school education is to help children grow up as healthy and happy people: People who are able to build relationships, have a positive outlook on life and are willing to help others. It teaches values that are important in our society, self-confidence, but also social behaviour and consideration for the weaker ones.

In the last year before starting school, the children are even better prepared for starting school. Our nursery teachers are specially trained for these requirements. Just as important as a good education is good nutrition for our children. Many children come from families where there is not enough to eat. Our goal is to give disadvantaged children a good start in school.