Cuddly companions on way to ECD pupils

Cuddly companions will be given to pre-schoolers at five Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres when schools reopen this week.

Partnering with The Domino Foundation, FNB Volunteers Coastal had delivered a load of pre-loved soft toys, puzzles and children’s clothes to Domino’s Adelaide Tambo Avenue offices in Durban North on Friday, January 10.

FNB Volunteers Coastal have a permanent collection box at their offices’ entrance for staff to drop off pre-loved goods for Domino’s ECD programme, said FNB’s relationship manager, Shirlinee Davenhill.

“We have a real heart for the little people in the crèches. After several years of being involved with Domino, we are confident that the work they are doing in the area of early childhood development is putting the little learners on a firm foundation,” said Ms Davenhill.

Thembelihle Mkhwanazi, who oversees the ECD programme, said the donation was special and the children will love it.

“A soft toy often is a child’s first friend. They develop bonds with their cuddly companion and learn social skills while playing with it, being concerned about its well-being and, so, learn empathy for human beings. They can develop their language skills, imagination and creativity by chatting about everything in their small worlds to this uncritical chum and, of course, ‘plushies’ are also provide comfort and security,” said Ms Mkhwanazi.

Ms Mkhwanazi’s ECD team of field workers regularly visit the 51 pre-schools with which it works. She added that they know the needs of each centre. They have chosen the five centres because they have seen where resources are short in a particular area and where the donated items would really make an impact, she said.

Ms Davenhill added that they were certain the toys would warm the pre-schoolers’ hearts and enrich their learning journey.

Anyone interested in being part of Domino’s Early Childhood Development programme’s efforts to “change a life, change a community” can contact Ms Mkhwanazi at ecd@domino.org.za