READ and perseverence bear fruit for crèche

When Julia Mphuti lived in the Protea South informal settlement 21 years ago, she recognised the need for someone to look after the children wandering about aimlessly, so this young woman took it upon herself to create a safe haven for them by opening Kid's EduCare in her backyard.

Over the years, Mphuti has given her time, energy and her heart to her crèche, often funding its activities with her own money. She has never turned a child away if the parents cannot pay and, no matter how hard times have been, has always provided all the children with two full meals and a snack, every day.

Denied of state subsidy

In 2006 fate smiled on her. As part of a Lotteries-funded Early Childhood Development (ECD) project run by READ Educational Trust, Julia received training as a caregiver, which earned her an NQF Level 1 certificate, and she is currently studying for the ECD National Diploma (NQF 5), which she will receive in 2013.

Undaunted, Mphuti commutes between Ennerdale and Protea South every day. And despite her training, and all she has given over all these years, she does not qualify for a subsidy from the Department of Social Development, because her crèche is not housed in a permanent structure.

Her fame has steadily grown and local primary schools can see the difference in learners from her crèche who enter Grade R. Parents from as far as Lenasia want to send their children to Julia's humble shack-crèche. It is packed with opportunities for the children to develop - from the fantasy corner, to the book corner, to the play area with the swing and faux grass made from old carpets, all intended to develop the young minds in her care.