Mdu Zulu and his team were caught in play-time mode when they were disassembling one of the two jungle gyms donated to a pair of early childhood development centres. His company, Avah Solutions, had been engaged by The Domino Foundation to take apart, transport and re-erect the climbing frames after Durban North resident, Candy Randles, had inspired a group of friends to make a difference in the lives of two women who own under-resourced ECD centres: ”Our heart is to support Zikhona Diya and Happiness Zulu who are trying very hard to run effective early learning centres as viable small businesses. “Being able to pay Avah Solutions to disassemble and re-build these jungle gyms ensures we could use these very generous donations effectively!” Candy said.
So that he wouldn’t have a collection of parts left over after he had taken down the jungle gyms, Mdu photographed the playground equipment and meticulously numbered each strut, monkey bar, bolt and nut. “I didn’t want the nightmare of not knowing which piece fitted where and I knew that I needed to make sure the children would have a securely constructed jungle gyms which was safe.”
Nicky Walton, Domino’s education co-ordinator, added that many ECD centres have no playground equipment at all.
Domino’s ECD programme has started a 3-year journey with 36 new, independent preschools, most of whom would benefit greatly if other generous well-wishers would donate jungle gyms. “We all know that the little learners’ physical development will be improved if they can clamber, climb and swing on a jungle gym, but, outdoor play also stimulates their cognitive development and their social interaction improves as well through playing together. All this helps move them to school-readiness. An added bonus for the small business owner is that jungle gyms attract new parents and thus the preschool grows its numbers and begins to thrive financially.”
Anyone who has a lonely jungle gym can contact Nicky at education @ domino.org.za or on 031 110 0730 and she will guarantee it a new home.
