The Aftercare pilot project that commenced at COLT this year has developed in two directions, one social and one scholastic. Aftercare is once a week from 2pm – 3.30pm. The scholastic arm supports two past learners who attend Heatherdale Primary School. Our driver Danny fetches the two boys from school and they spend the afternoon with Teacher Grace (a retired teacher) and Imaan, our intern class assistant. Following a request from their current primary school class teacher they receive one on one help with numeracy and literacy.
The other arm of the project offers social support to two older past learners, Dino (not his real name) who attends Mary Harding Special School and Kim (not his real name) who is out of school roaming the streets.
An Occupational Therapy (OT) student working with Dino focusses on life skills because with no parental input he has to look after himself. He has learnt to make a sandwich for himself and wash up the dishes.
Due to neglect and lack of stimulation at home Kim’s cognitive development is extremely delayed. He is permanently absent from school because his parents do not take him. Even though aftercare is at 2pm Kim is seen at 11am already waiting on the kerbside for Danny to fetch him in the Educare bus. The lack of play and stimulation at home means he cannot be stimulated to learn. The OT student in his case focusses on ball play and gross motor skills, which he thoroughly enjoys. Children need plenty of time for creative play and creative thinking. Introducing children to new experiences allows for fun and at the same time helps with brain development. Expanding their knowledge and developing helpful skills are vital for problem solving and managing future challenges.
Teacher Nushfeekah is actively working with 7 social cases in our communities. Children older than COLT’s admission age are not at school because of lack of cooperation from parents. Nushfeekah accompanies parents to Home Affairs encouraging them to apply for documents – often queuing from as early as 5am. It is a very slow process! Children without documentation get left further and further behind in their education because schools will not admit them.
COLT staff and volunteers focus on the children’s wellbeing with compassion and understanding, safe in the knowledge that the values and attitudes that are experienced in the classroom influence the future of our society.
We seek funding for the COLT Aftercare Project. Kindly let us know if you are able to donate towards petrol and stationery. If you have teaching experience and wish to donate your time and expertise, we’d love to chat to you. Email Devi at info@colt.org.za or call Principal Mala Makan on 084 9194864 for further information.
