Many parents enrolled their children as late as ten years of age for primary school. Early learning by play was virtually unknown in these areas. Rose Mbude, together with Sr Áine (just freed from being Acting Principal at St Mary’s Primary School, Nyanga) gathered small children roaming the streets to form a group to learn through play. The group eventually rose to 130 little people and the first activity Rose involved them in was gathering coke tins and half- filling them with pebbles to produce rhythms, accompanied by songs. They were also used for number work.

Rose had trained in Early Learning at the Early Learning Resource Unit and became a household name with women who came to watch and to become involved. She trained the women every week in the principles and practice of early learning. Eventually the project rose to seven groups of children situated in Nyanga, Gugulethu and Philippi.
Over the years more than 4,000 children have passed through the Etafeni Playgroup Project. Some have continued their education right up to third level and have now professional careers.

A New Partner... and a centre for children affected by HIV/AIDS

In 2001 the Playgroup Project went into partnership with Lifeline in the building of a Day Care Centre to deal with the needs of children affected/infected by HIV/AIDS.  This Centre is flourishing and has won prizes for best model of its kind.

Fakisandla (Only one group has flush toilets and running water...)

The Etafeni Playgroup Project works in collaboration with an organisation known as African Solutions for African Problems (ASAP).  The Etafeni Playgroup Project runs a programme named Fakisandla which undertakes the care of families in need of help and child-headed families in need of support.Early in 2006 the two groups of Etafeni at Philippi decided to become independent of the parent group. These two groups are developing along the lines of others in Philippi. They have been given sites and have had them fenced. One group has flush toilets and running water. The other group still awaits this service from the municipality.

Sr Caitríona is busy training them in financial matters, and supports them in learning Computer.  Sr Áine helps them in obtaining shipping containers or wendy houses which can be made into classrooms, kitchens or offices.  The fees obtained from parents are insufficient for food and salaries for the women working with the children. Any donations will be gratefully received.  Visits to these two groups can be arranged by contacting the following:
Monwood Playgroup Leader:  Nophelo Potyo.  Cellphone:  0727549787
Sophumelela Playgroup Leader:  Ntombizonke Maswana.  Cellphone: 0790740611
Sr Áine or Sr Caitríona  (021) 761 6541

These two Playgroups keep in touch with the Etafeni Day Care Centre. They have an opportunity to send persons in need there. Gradually they hope to become satellites of the Centre.