IT has been 25 years since Emelda Gumede (77) turned part of her home into a pre-school and daycare centre for the children of Ngwelezana.
Bidding farewell to yet another group of little graduates heading to Grade 1 next year, Gumede spoke of her joy of being part of shaping the foundation of future professionals and leaders.
‘When I started, there was no daycare facility or pre-school in this area. Many parents had nowhere to take their children because most places were far away.
‘So I started looking after six children back in 1992. That number grew to 18 in 1993 and that’s when I decided to turn my garage into a space for them to play and learn.
Gumede, a former teacher and salesperson, says her love of children was the driving force.
Her garage eventually became too small as the numbers grew, and in 1995 the local Roman Catholic Church committee offered her space at the church.
‘Between 1995 and 2005 I accommodated about 250 children and was paying R300 a month rent to the church.
Picture: Gugu Myeni
‘But when the church committee changed in 2005, the rent was increased and I could no longer afford it. At the time I was receiving R50 a month from the parents of the children which I used towards providing food and transport for the kids,’ Gumede said.
She then chose to leave the church space and move the daycare and pre-school back to her garage.
‘I cut down the number of children and extended my house to add back rooms to create more space. and we have been operating from there ever since.’
While it has been rewarding for her to see most of the children she has taught become successful in their careers, it has been a difficult journey to keep the facility afloat.
‘People always believe I make a lot of money because of the number of children I care for, but that is not the case.
‘Currently I have 106 children who pay R300 a month, but R150 goes to transport transport and from that I also have to pay seven staff members. I still provide two meals a day to the children and I often have to rely on my own children to assist me financially,’ she said.
The 77-year-old says the pre-school has become part of her life and she hopes to continue teaching the children in the community.
‘But we do need the help. Our biggest challenge is not having enough space, but any assistance to help keep this place operating will be appreciated,’ she said.
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