Silvertown Educentre

Silvertown Educentre serves children in the community age 2-6. The principal, Florence Reynolds, said that the centre is looking to build up its playground.

The Educentre was founded in 1970. There are currently 150 kids registered and 12 teachers with 45 kids in each unit. There is a waiting list, but as soon as a child is born the parents can add their name.

Reynolds said that this year was positive in terms of funding, but there is a new project she wants to accomplish. The playground has not been renovated in almost 50 years, and the educentre is seeking funding to fix it up. She said that she wanted to new equipment to be both safe and comfortable for the children to use.

Michaela, Emma, Khusi, and Florence Reynolds

"Tires are very important because they play a big part in their life," Reynolds said. "It becomes their taxi or their car." This is just one example of how to make the playground more comfortable.

Reynolds said that the centre is also seeking funding for the upcoming couple years to stay sustainable as a business. They are also looking for donations for outdoor equipment, such as hula hoops, skipping ropes, and balls. A service the centre needs is to be painted, which could be a great service activity for Mandela Day.

Many people volunteer, especially students completing their practicals. Reynolds said that the centre used to have many international interns, but the numbers have declined recently due to transportation issues such as the taxi conflict.

Reynolds said that she hoped they returned soon because "you could see what they were bringing in the center and the way they cared for them."

Reynolds then talked about the licensing process for an educentre. They must have certain equipment for a certain amount of kids. They also follow processes to protect children. With small children, they teachers perform spot checks for bruises. If the child cannot explain the bruise, the centre contacts a social worker. If the child is older and alerts the teacher of harm, the teacher will again contact the proper authorities.

Reynolds loves the centre, and it has in many ways been her home. She sent her own child to the center in 1974. "I went into inform them that I would'nt be able to pay fees until I got a job., and that very day they asked me if I wanted to work for them," she said.

To contact the centre, call 0216377198. In order to contact Florence Reynolds directly, email  florencereynolds.silvertown@gmail.com.

Presented by: Emma Derr, Khusi Veto, and Michaela Muller

Written by: Emma Derr