The Children of Light preschool celebrated its fifth anniversary on Friday November 4.
The non-profit school in Rondebosch East opened in 2017, with six children, on premises donated by private donors.
The principal, Mala Makan, recalls picking up her pupils at their homes and driving them to the school, which now accommodates 20 children from various informal settlements at no cost to their parents.
“We are choosing the most vulnerable children, where we know that they will run in the streets during the day,” said Ms Makan.
The preschool has two full-time teachers, two full-time assistants and a driver who fetches and drops off the children in a minivan.
Ms Makan said the school was founded on the principles of yoga, encouraging the union of mind, body and soul. “It’s to serve, love, focus and learn,” she said.
She added: “We have made changes to children’s life. Children are now in primary school, and we see how they have a love for learning.”
Pupils participate in a range of activities like gardening, baking, arts and crafts and painting. They also visit the Rondebosch East Park daily.
A handful of guests attended the anniversary celebration, including spiritual leader Swami Vidyananada from the Ananda Kutir Ashram of Rondebosch East.
Ward councillor Mark Kleinschmidt, who was also there, said: “In Cape Town, we embrace a multi-cultural society for young children to be supported in a spiritual way. I fully support this.”
Ms Makan said that as a non-profit they have to raise funds, and she appealed to the public to support the preschool. Visit www.colt.org.za or email info@colt.org.za or call 081 470 0723 for more information.
