For many Rhodes staff, the workday kicks off with a delightful detour to South Street, where their preschool-aged children will spend the day at Rhodes Preschool. Here, the children of Rhodes staff enjoy the guidance of Early Childhood Development experts, all while being close to their parents in a safe and stimulating environment designed just for them.

It's the perfect blend of learning and play! But the parents and their kids aren’t the only ones to benefit from the Preschool. Over the past few years, the preschool has grown into a hub of education and collaboration.

 

 

Learners at the Preschool with Rhodes Student Volunteers. Photos by Enver Lottering.

 

By partnering with Student Organisations and Rhodes Departments, the preschool offers a holistic experience for their learners, as well as for service-learning and community-engaged students at the University. 

Through the Community Engagement Siyakhana eMakana (S@M) programme, RU Preschool collaborates with Rhodes Halls and Residences to co-manage various developmental initiatives using the principles of Asset-Based Community Development. This year, the centre partnered with Desmond Tutu Hall and successfully facilitated stimulating learning experiences for their learners. These events include a Kiddie Play Session on 18 July in Celebration of Nelson Mandela Month, featuring interactive activities and educational talks about the importance of giving and sharing, along with nutritious snacks. They also put together a Spring Garden Day on 5 September, which focused on environmental sustainability.  This initiative revitalised the preschool's entrance while teaching children about gardening and nature and also collaborated with another Student Organisation, Common Ground. 

 

The Spring event put together by RUPS and Desmond Tutu Hall and Common Ground this year. Photos supplied by Enver Lottering.

 

The Preschool also welcomes BuddingQ student volunteers on a weekly basis. The BuddingQ students play fun physical games with the kids to stimulate fine motor skills required for reading. BuddingQ is run in 6 other schools in Makhanda. 

RUPS is committed to community collaboration, working with various local organisations to strengthen its programme. The centre has extended beyond the Rhodes community to collaborate with Makhanda organisations, such as East-Cape Midlands College students and ECD students completing their on-site teaching practice. 

 

“The Preschool provides a space for these students to learn and develop their skills in a practical way, to cultivate a safe environment for students to learn and grow through guidance and support from the team,” says one student partnered with the site. 

 

Left: RUCE's Kristena Reddy with the BuddingQ equipment at the student training weekend. Right: Students being trained to run BuddingQ at RUPS. 

 

RUPS employs an effective volunteer management system, ensuring that student volunteers are well-prepared to interact with children. This structured approach nurtures a positive and enriching learning environment, allowing each child to receive the support they need, as well as encouraging students to take ownership of projects. 

This year’s volunteer manager,  Naycan Ferreira, provided support and encouragement for her team of volunteers. Under her guidance, the Preschool continued to nurture mutually beneficial collaborations while fulfilling the Preschool’s vision for educational excellence. 

 

Left: Annidene Davis and Naycan Ferreira at the 2024 Community Engagement Awards. Photo by Sizo Media. Right: Annidene Davis at the Preschool's Open Day. 

 

The Preschool has also embraced being part of a blooming ECD community in Makhanda. The team organised a Clothing Drive for Home of Joy in Joza. They also organised a collection of toys and educational materials for Settlers Hospital and have donated essential items to other preschools in Makhanda.