The purpose-built centre has four spacious and fully furnished classrooms, ablutions, an office, and kitchen, as well as two jungle gyms in a play area for up to 120 children. Previously, Rainbow ECD was located in a cramped makeshift structure that was not suitable for adequate developmental opportunities for the number of children attending.
PenBev, Medicor Foundation and Heat Pump International partnered with Rotary Club of Newlands to build the centre. Ablutions and a rainwater harvesting system were provided by The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation.
“It is a great joy for us to move the Rainbow children into this building, knowing that they are the ones who will benefit the most. All the parents have been eagerly awaiting the move into the new premises and this opening is a much anticipated celebration for a new beginning,” says Steve Zimri, chairman of Rainbow ECD Centre. Rainbow ECD cares for children between one and five years old, providing them with a healthy meal each day and age appropriate social and learning opportunities.
According to UNICEF, good nutrition, health, consistent loving care and encouragement to learn in the early years of life help children to do better at school, be healthier, have higher future earnings and participate more in society.
“What happens during the early years is crucially important for every child’s future development. The new Rainbow ECD Centre is our 30th brick and mortar corporate social investment project. We are extremely proud of this long-term investment in the lives of many young children living in Masiphumelele,” says PenBev commercial director, John Joubert.
