News

The South African National Park (SANParks)’s Chief Executive Officer, Hapiloe Sello officially accepted, on behalf of Kruger National Park (KNP) the newly built classrooms and a storeroom for the Skukuza Early Child Development (ECD) Centre donated by First National Bank (FNB) at a handover today, May 03, 2024.

The ECD Centre, which is a feeder to the Skukuza Primary School, has over 95 curious, education-eager preschoolers, ranging from 18 months infants to 5-year Grade 00 going age children. The Centre provides foundation-phase education to children of SANParks staff members, concessions, and other residents in Skukuza.

The CEO of SANParks, Hapiloe Sello said “A strong building requires a strong foundation, which in turn requires a strong cornerstone. Our children who are beneficiaries of these facilities today are the future of this country and that is why it makes me proud to be a part of today’s proceedings. An occasion that will be remembered as a foundation towards the development of tomorrow’s future leaders”.

For many years, the facility operated with four classrooms of children in grades namely Bush Baby (18 months to 2 years), Hippo (2 -3 years), Giraffe (3 – 4 years) and Lion (4 -5 years); the four classes became oversubscribed in the last few years as more kids joined in. Through FNB’s adoption of the facility and donation thereof, the ECD Centre was able to expand its facilities, by adding two classrooms to accommodate more children as well as building a storeroom.

On a weekly basis, the young ones at Skukuza ECD Centre are exposed to unique themes focusing on environmental and conservation imperatives. These activities vary from day tours, lessons, and demonstrations such as Ranger Club Day, SANParks Veterinary Team lessons, anti-poaching patrols, a visit to the Skukuza indigenous plant nursery and a visit to the Skukuza Airport. Every single child attending the Centre has potential, and the aim is to nurture those future possibilities through stimulation, provision of life skills and imaginative plays to continually improve the ECD’s curriculum.

The CEO of FNB Public Sector Banking, Sipho Silinda says, “Education is fundamental to the growth and can make a positive difference in the young lives of children.  Furthermore, it encourages young children by stimulating their thinking and expanding their learning and development. At FNB, we have a long-standing, national ECD programme where we’re committed to playing our part in helping to bring quality education to future generations. We continue to play an integral part in the lives of these young children, their parents, and the community of Skukuza; and urge the community to help look after the Skukuza ECD Centre as it will benefit everyone for many generations to come.”

The facility is a non-profit organization and is registered with the Mpumalanga’s Department of Education. FNB’s donation has SANParks to meet one of its current Management Plan for Kruger National Park (KNP) objectives, which commits management to provide access to ECD facilities, thereby rolling out the ECD plan for the park.

The of FNB Public Sector Banking, Mr Sipho Silinda together with the CEO of SANParks, Ms Hapiloe Sello and the Skukuza ECD Principal, Ms Sarah Gillespie cut the ribbon to officially open the new facilities.

The ECD Centre now boasts new classrooms, bathrooms and storeroom through FNB’s adoption and donation.

The Skukuza ECD Centre children and teachers perform in appreciation for FNB’s donation.