The Grace Foundation UK

The Mzamowethu Pre-Primary School was built by local people in the Township of Mzamomhle, Gonubie in South Africa to provide the only pre-school education in the area for the many children between the ages of three to six.  Funds to build the school were raised by the local churches and it was built alongside the township’s primary school.

Planning for the school began in 1990, and in 2002 sufficient funds had been raised to start building the school. However, it was not until the Grace Foundation UK joined forces with the pre-school in 2006 that the finishing touches could be completed. The Grace Foundation were delighted to be able to support this worthy cause and in May 2006 we provided funding to enable the school to complete the toilet blocks, install security bars at the windows and doors, and provide classroom fans and folding screen dividers for the larger classrooms.

The school accommodates over 200 children, many of whom are orphans or come from very poor families.  Some of the children suffer from HIV or AIDS and other related illnesses.  Many are orphans who have lost their parents to the AIDS epidemic and now live under the care of older siblings or grandmothers.  Without this school many of the children would be roaming the streets.  It is a place of safety for them to attend each day where they are each given a hot meal at lunch time.  For some it is their only meal of the day.

The Grace Foundation UK in conjunction with Doncaster Rovers Football Club also sent a gift of football shirts for the children.  They get very few gifts or luxuries and love playing football, so the shirts were gratefully received by all the children who wear them with pride.

Today the school is thriving and we are proud to have helped make a difference to the lives of these children.  

Liz Rushton - The Grace Foundation UK