The South African Air Force has officially launched the Fledglings Early Childhood Development Centre at Bloemspruit Air Force Base, which has, over the past few years, aimed to support families living on or near the base by providing access to early learning. The centre was launched earlier this month with an emotional tribute to everyone who contributed to the development of the project since the idea was first conceived in 2016.
At the official launch on 2 October, facilitator Jaunita Naik reflected on the journey and acknowledged the significance of the milestone. She paid homage to Afrika Msimang, the visionary behind the development of ECD centres at various Air Force bases. Naik said it took time to bring the premises up to standard for accreditation. The process officially began in 2019 but faced several challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The whole idea of having the crèche here means that we can accommodate not only military parents but also parents in the surrounding areas. We are far from town, and it is not easy to find crèches around here. Hopefully, now with the accreditation, we can apply for funding,” she said.
Lieutenant Desiree Pelser and her family recently relocated to the City of Roses. While the transition has been challenging, she expressed gratitude that settling her sons has not been a concern. “My sons have been at the school for a week now, and they are thriving. They love the food, they love the teachers, and they are happy when I pick them up. I don’t have to sit in traffic, and I feel that the drop-off and pick-up is more efficient.”
Captain Nkadi Mashike’s daughter, Olerato, has been attending the centre since 2023. She added that the convenience of not having to travel long distances to take her daughter to school gives her more time to spend with her. “I was breastfeeding and she didn’t want the bottle; because I worked nearby, I could come and feed her,” she said.
Rosetta Julius, the principal, proudly said the initiative was also started to involve spouses of military personnel on the base and give them something to do while earning an income. “We focus on empowering the spouses, especially those who come from different bases – some of them don’t have jobs.”
Gypseenia Lion
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