KidZAid is extremely grateful for this generous donation and support from a Kloof enterprise. It’s just in time for the KidZAid April visit to the beneficiaries and just in time for winter. 

Thank you Celtico! 

She tested the children’s eyesight using the Snellens test chart and for those who battled with the letters / language, used a card so they could point to the letters. She checked their eye muscle movement for any imbalance or limited movement, and also observed whether they used both eyes together to indicate if there was a squint present. Those who have a squint or have very poor vision in one eye will have poor or no depth perception. Of those tested there were a few that had poor eyesight and eyes that squinted.

Thulani, the COC Manager took those who needed treatment to McCords hospital, for referral to the Eye Clinic, or to the clinic that specialises in squints. A child who squints needs to be seen to as early as possible . If only one eye is being used the child’s eyesight will deteriorate in the eye that is not being used! Glasses may be necessary and possible patching of the good eye for a few hours a day.  

The earlier an eye problem is picked up the better. Teachers can be made aware and look out for indications, such as a child narrowing the eyes to see the board, rubbing and blinking the eyes when reading, bringing a book too close to the eyes, closing one eye to read,  and one eye turning inwards or outwards (squinting)

The good news is that one little chap has already been assessed at the hospital and was given glasses.  Our sincere thanks to Di van Dam for volunteering to assess these children and facilitate the eye care they need.

Book Dash, a non-profit organisation, produces high-quality children’s books in multiple South African languages. These books, created by volunteer teams of writers, illustrators, and designers, are accessible under a Creative Commons license. The collaboration between KidZAid and Book Dash is a perfect fit, as we work together to make these books available to children in under-resourced communities across South Africa.

Through pre-literacy workshops led by our dedicated volunteer, Cecily Fraser, KidZAid is working directly with crèche teachers and assistants to develop the foundational skills needed for literacy. Our workshops focus on pre-reading skills, emphasizing the importance of songs, rhymes, stories, and dramatisation to help children recognize letters and sounds. Each Book Dash book is introduced in these workshops, allowing teachers to discuss key concepts before each child receives their own copy of the book to build their home library.

In 2024, KidZAid received 270 free Zulu children’s books from Book Dash, which will be distributed to the four crèches at the Community Outreach Centre. Thank you Book Dash! “The ability to read, write, and analyze; the confidence to stand up and demand justice and equality; the qualifications and connections to get your foot in the door and take your seat at the table – all of that starts with education.” -Michelle Obama

If you want to explore these wonderful resources, visit www.bookdash.org for books to read, download, and print. 

It was combined with another donation of children’s clothing and is all ready for delivery and distribution to our 4 beneficiaries.

Don’t you love the smiley girl in yellow? She was the girl who sang “If you’re happy and you know it, stamp your feet” so joyfully.

Weavers’ Nest is Highbury’s co-educational pre-primary school that aims to build a solid foundation for the years ahead. Dedicated teachers encourage a passion for discovery through play. As part of their nurturing environment, these young girls and boys are also taught to reach out to their underprivileged peers. This year, they have chosen to send Christmas gifts to the Children of KidZAids’ beneficiaries. 

Huge gratitude to an anonymous donor ..

.. for the 3 large bags of toys that were specifically selected for the children at the COC Drop-In Centre Crèches, Mariannhill.

.. to the generous knitters at Westville Methodist Church who donated these cosy blankets, jerseys, gloves, and beanies for our 4 beneficiaries.

Special thanks to The Best Book Club members and friends for the R2 000+ needed to provide the tiles for the Embizeni Crèche classroom, Ntshongweni and to Noku for transporting the tiles from Pinetown.