Women’s Month, celebrated in August in South Africa, honours the strength and resilience of women and their role in society. As mothers, carers, business leaders, workers, students, partners, sisters, daughters, activists, politicians; the diversity in which women contribute to our society has led South Africa to where it is today. In recognition of this, Breadline Africa is honouring the role of four incredible women, all teachers who have dedicated their purpose to uplifting young lives through education.
“We have forged close relationships with many of the teachers and school principals at the pre- and primary schools that we have supported over the years. Working under challenging circumstances, with limited resources, these women run their pre-schools and classrooms with a smile, introducing the children to a world of learning” says Marion Wagner, Director of Breadline Africa.
Lorato Theodora Duma is the founder of Lusemanzi ECD Centre in Orange Farm, Gauteng. “I started the centre to equip children to reach their full potential through to Grade R. The rate of child abuse in our community was very high and we also started the centre to protect children from abuse.”
Lorato’s centre has been subject to theft, a lack of funding to maintain the facilities, degraded infrastructure and food shortages. Despite this, she continued to run her pre-school.
“Breadline Africa’s classroom, which was donated in 2017, made a huge impact in our lives, it saved us from thieves who wanted our centre, it kept children warm during winter and cool during summer,” says Lorato.
Nombulelo Moses is the principal of Iziboneli Christian Educare Centre in Worcester in the Western Cape. Breadline Africa provided a 12-metre container classroom in 2021 and a six-metre container kitchen in July this year.
Nombulelo wants to see the the girls in her care become the leaders of the future,” Never live with regrets as a girl – stand up and take your position in the world. Never let anyone look down on you. As a girl you are loved, precious and beautiful.”says Nombulelo
Poppy Vosloo is the Principal at Atlehang pre-school in Voljoenskroon, Northern Free State. “My community was in dire need of a pre-school. There were no such organisations providing ECD programmes and no nutritious meals for the children,” says Poppy. “My goal is to continue to offer a stimulating learning environment for children, to keep them fed, to foster community involvement and to provide effective administration of our school.”
Buhle Mntuyedwa is the principal of Telitebies Academy Pre-School in Khayelitsha, Western Cape. In October 2022 Breadline Africa provided a container classroom and toilet, and in April 2022, started supplying ingredients to support their breakfast and lunch meals.
“The relationship with Breadline Africa has been great and we are committed to strengthening our children and building stronger, healthier, and safer learning spaces. Together, we are helping to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of our children, who will ultimately grow up and shape society and our communities based on the adults that they become. It all starts with their education,” says Buhle.
“Working in different communities, we have met some remarkable women who run schools and classrooms. These women, like Lorato, Nombulelo, Buhle and Poppy, act as role models for children who emulate their values of resilience and dedication, and this is reflected in their work and school performance. We wish to thank them for their work,” says Wagner.
To find out more about Breadline Africa and their feeding programmes, visit https://breadlineafrica.org/, or follow them on Facebook at @BreadlineAfrica.
