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28 May 2026

Newsletter April 2026

🌱 EDUCARE MPAME SOUTH AFRICA 🌱
NEWSLETTER No. 28 – April 2026
Greetings from Mpame!

The past four months have been exciting and full of progress for Educare Mpame. It is hard to believe we are already in the second term of 2026, and that Jean and Tony have now been back in Mpame for almost five months.

✨ Some highlights so far this year:

• Siyakhula Kids officially opened on 9 February with 16 children and already has a waiting list.
• Teacher training for the NQF Level 4 Occupational Certificate in Early Childhood Development has officially begun.
• Our new data capturing and monitoring system is almost complete.
• Security upgrades at Chocolate Cottage are underway.
• Chocolate Cottage is now officially Educare Mpame’s head office.

🌼 Sunshine ECDC
Ntosh is expecting a baby in May, and Educare recently celebrated her with a baby shower. Bukho will assist during her maternity leave.

🌸 Little Flower
Everything continues running smoothly under Zamo’s leadership, and her computer and administration skills continue to grow.

🌱 Siyakhula Kids
The new crèche in Zwilitsha has started beautifully. The first PTA meeting has already been held, and plans are progressing for a permanent building site.

💻 Data Capturing & Training
Special thanks to Ryan Banks and David De Gruchy for helping develop and train staff on the new system.

📚 Teacher Development
Nomzamo, Namhla and Ntosh have all enrolled in ECD training, with Jean joining the course alongside them.

❤️ Thank You to Our Donors & Supporters
We are deeply grateful to every individual and organisation supporting Educare Mpame through financial contributions, donations of clothing, toys, stationery, puzzles and ongoing encouragement.

Special thanks to:
• The Solon Foundation
• Bridge-Ed Foundation
• Our monthly donors
• Community members and volunteers

🏡 Community & Security
The support shown by the Mpame community towards Educare and the Robertson family has been overwhelming and deeply appreciated.

🌍 Rural development work comes with many challenges, but also many rewards. Despite obstacles, Educare continues moving forward with hope and excitement for the future.

Thank you for your continued interest and support.

From all of us at Educare Mpame ❤️

🌐 Website: Educare Mpame
📘 Facebook: Educare Mpame

By Jean Robertson
Computer Training
NewsTeacher Training
20 May 2025

Computer Literacy Training

Recently we had the opportunity to bring our staff to East London for a basic introduction to Computer Literacy training.

Computer Training

Kingsley from Go2Websites, designed a basic introduction course.  How to use a keypad, how to send emails, create documents and save these documents.  Most of our staff had no experience whatsoever in using computers.  It was an excellent introduction.

Implimentation:

With us removed from Mpame for a short while, these new skills are enormously helpful for easier communications. We have also set up Watsapp groups and even have very successful conference calls.  Staff development is very important to us in working towards sustainability of Educare Mpame.

The Impact of Computer Literacy Training on Educare Mpame Staff

At Educare Mpame, investing in our staff means investing in the future of our children. Our recent computer literacy training initiative has already begun to bring about meaningful change. Here’s how:

1. Improved Administrative Efficiency
• Staff can now manage attendance records, reports, and communication digitally.
• Time saved on paperwork means more time dedicated to the children.

2. Enhanced Communication
• Email and digital platforms allow for faster, clearer internal and external communication.
• Staff can now connect more easily with parents and stakeholders.

3. Access to Educational Resources
• Teachers can now access online tools, learning materials, and creative lesson ideas.
• This enriches classroom experiences and keeps teaching methods up to date.

4. Professional Growth
• Staff gain valuable, transferable skills that boost their confidence and career development.
• Empowered employees are more engaged and motivated in their roles.

5. Better Record-Keeping and Reporting
• Digital tools improve accuracy in data collection and reporting to authorities or funders.
• This ensures compliance and transparency in our operations.

6. Foundation for Future Growth
• With basic computer skills in place, staff are better prepared for future digital initiatives.
• It opens the door to training in more advanced tools and systems down the line.

⸻

By equipping our team with digital skills, Educare Mpame is building a stronger, smarter, and more connected community — ready to meet the needs of the future.

Together, we’re growing through learning

By Jean Robertson