Dear Mr Beyleveldt

Maybe you remember speaking to me on the phone about our day care centre African giggles in Stanford. However, meanwhile we were forced to close because our neighbour, Ms Bea Whittaker did not – even after lots of negotiations via your municipal manager Mr Zybrands – agree to withdraw her appeal against the municipality´s decision to grant consent use. Ms Bea Whittaker did not even want the kids to play outside in the afternoon. We closed down, the children are back in the township on the street, three people lost their jobs and I just try to get over that huge disappointment.

We tried to do something good. We believed Stanford needs another kindergarten. We spent a lot of money getting the building and later on, setting the kindergarten up. We were not aware that our neighbours (Withaker Trust & Maggie Dampier) have objections about the noice children make and about their decrease in property value being of such big importance to them – we actually really believed, everybody would welcome our initiative.

With some kind of shock I now had to read that Ms Whittaker was awarded “woman of the year”.

Article here

This cannot be true! The woman who puts all her efforts into closing a non profit kindergarten for children from financially underprivileged families is made “woman of the year”? In South Africa, 2009?

A person that states her reasons in her appeal against the kindergarten as follows:
- Decrease in monthly income
- Decrease in the value of the property, Decrease in the selling price of my hospitality business as a going concern, I feel that the day care centre will affect my business.
- Such a commercial enterprise will impose a considerable noise nuisance on adjoining neighbours from increased vehicular traffic and use of the outdoor space by many children. This will adversely affect neighbours quiet enjoyment of their properties.
- Commercial use will adversely affect property values in the adjoining area

I cannot say how much this hurts. How is it possible that Ms Bea Whittaker is awarded “woman of the year” if she is the exact and only reason that 15 children had to leave a fantastic day care centre?

Again to get the facts straight: we were granted consent use to run the day care centre. Ms Bea Whittaker appealed against this (reasoning above). Only because of this appeal, we were forced to close and send the children away.
Ms Bea Whittaker is awarded “woman of the year”.

I am looking forward to a logical explanation,

kind regards
Jens von Wichtingen

Hello Allan Berry

On behalf of all the teachers, supporting staff, the children and their parents we would like to congratulate you on your victory in the by elections for ward councellor Stanford/Voelklip.

You are now in the position to help us getting African Giggles – kindergarten re-opened, in the interest of many deserving children – lacking any form of education at the moment.

As our DA councellor you obviously agree to the need for a privately sponsored upliftment educational programme for the children of our area.

Your intervention convincing the only two appealants against the already granted consent use would be another example of the DA´s commitment to the upliftment of our local communities.

Looking forward to your response,
Daniel Stemmet

African Giggles – kindergarten
T: 028 341 0906
postbox@africangiggles.com

Congratulations. You closed a very nice kindergarten. 15 children had to leave. You caused lots of pain, tears. But yes, your reasons are very important. For all to read them and to not forget them, here we quote you:

Decrease in monthly income…, Decrease in the value of the property, Decrease in the selling price of my hospitality business as a going concern, I feel that the day care centre will affect my business.

Such a commercial enterprise will impose a considerable noise nuisance on adjoining neighbours from increased vehicular traffic and use of the outdoor space by many children. This will adversely affect neighbours quiet enjoyment of their properties.

Commercial use will adversely affect property values in the adjoining area

Go well, Stanford.

10 June 2009

The Anglican Church
Morton Street
Stanford
7210

Dear Father Gabriels

African Giggles Kindergarten opened its doors in June 2008. We felt that there was a fundamental need to create a school that was child centered, multi-racial and open to all members of the Stanford Community.

African Giggles is an approved Kindergarten by the Department of Education, (social Development.) It relies on 80% of its income from private sponsorships and gives the disadvantaged communities a better education, therefore a better start in life.

As you are aware, African Giggles School has been forced to close its doors after being operational for only 12 months due to THE BEA WHITTAKER TRUST and the Dampier family who have objected to the school operating from its existing premises.

Should the Whittaker family trust and the Dampier family withdraw their objection and permit African Giggles to continue operating from these premises, this would enable us to continue the good work and the excellent education we have thus far been giving to both the fortunate and disadvantaged children of the community.

Your assistance in this regard would be invaluable and much appreciated, as we believe your standing in the community could influence the respective parties to reconsider their objection, thus ensuring many children would continue to receive a proper education and keep them off the streets. It would also keep the staff employed and as the school grows, African Giggles will be able to enrich many more lives.

We would like to thank the local council and the community for their support and look forward to many more happy days and hopefully giggles at our school

Yours Sincerely

African Giggles Team

Cape Studies, our main sponsor, was shortlisted – one of the four best language schools in the Southern Hemisphere!!!

Award ceremony and the announcement of the winner will be begin of September in London. So hold thumbs please!

Stanford’s best-known landmark, the St Thomas Anglican Church on the market square is being restored at the moment.  Unfortunately the funds obtained from the Rowland and Leta Hill Trust are not enough to cover all the restoration costs, and another approximately R35 000 is needed to complete the restoration work. This Sunday afternoon, 10 May, at 16:00 (4 pm) a benefit concert to raise more funds took place at the Birkenhead Brewery.  The Pro Musica Choir from Hermanus performed, and Bea Whittaker in duet with Sandra Odendaal.

The Pro Musica choir sang a variety of songs that ranged from the exquisite humming chorus from the opera Madame Butterfly to three well-known Afrikaans songs that had been interestingly arranged by the conductor, Annemarie Rautenbach to at some places be sung in 9 different voices!

The children and parents of African giggles joined in to support the fund raising.  Here are the pictures:

The DA Parliamentary Office
Tel: +27 (0) 21 403 2910
Fax: +27 (0) 21 461 0092
Email: info@da.org.za

Postal Address:
The Democratic Alliance
P.O. Box 15
Cape Town
8000

Physical Address:
Marks Building (2nd and 3rd Floor)
Parliament
Plein Street
Cape Town

Good day

we are a German founded company running in Cape Town for almost 15 years now. Please have a look at our website for more information.

OUR PROBLEM
About a year ago we started one of our social involvment projects. African giggles – kindergarten for Africa, based in Stanford, Western Cape. We purchased a building in the middle of town, employed teachers and enrolled children from mostly the nearby township. Children were given montessori education, free meals and care at no or minimal charge (R50/month, if the parents could afford it). At the same time we secured the parents dignity by involving them in daily work, e.g. cleaning, reading stories etc …

Please have a look at what we did up to now here, at our website.

WE HONESTLY BELIEVE THAT EDUCATION IS THE MOST IMPORTANT SOLUTION TO SOLVE ALL PROBLEMS OUR WONDERFUL COUNTRY IS FACING.

We are being confronted by two neighbours, complaining about the noise children make. These two neighours run small holiday cottages next to our property and are worried that having a kindergarten next door will decrease the value of their holiday homes. They have lodged formal complaints to the Overstrand municipality and after these were turned down, they appealed against this decision. And now because of this appeal, African giggles – kindergarten for Africa will not be able to operate as planned.

Provincial government is working with this case but it could take up to one year for a decision, so we heard. During this time we are not allowed to run and all children will have to leave our care centre.

Up to now, we did not receive nor claim any funds from government or social services. All running costs and also the legal fees were carried by Cape Studies and its owners, Mr Jens von Wichtingen and Mr Daniel Stemmet. Right now we are standing at R500 000. We were approved by the Overstrand municipality – reasons here. But due to the appeals which we believe are totally unjustified, we are forced to closed down.

Can the Democratic Alliance help us?

We understand the legal process and that it can take longer. But there is a provision within the Stanford Zoning Scheme. If the owner of a building disputes the existence oof the contraventions, council may arrange a special hearing and appoint a advisory committee.

• Demand to close the kindergarten was issued Mr Boshoff, Gansbaai Administration, T: 028-384 8300
• DA respresentative for Stanford, Mr Allan Berry (laywer) is representing the appealants in ongoing legal battle, so there is a conflict of interests.
• More information can be obtained from Ms Ferreira, the assistant area manager in charge of Stanford, T: 028-341 8500
• Our legal representative is Mr Danie Jooste of Jooste and Semer, T.: 028-312 4995 – permission to disclose information is hereby granted (cc to Danie Jooste)

Bottomline:
We invested about R500 000 plus the building´s purchase price of R1.5M to do good to the community of Stanford and especially its children. We now need your help to keep on running.

Kindest regards
Jens von Wichtingen

Almerie and Celine doing a Potjiekos Evening @ the kindergarten to raise funds for the kids. R15 per person

As usual, it has been a happy and exciting month at African Giggles. The children celebrated Easter by painting eggs, making Easter cards for their families, and with a fantastic Easter egg hunt. A special thank you to Christine and Alex for donating Easter eggs and hosting this Easter hunt at their home. They delighted and enthralled the children, and made Easter come alive with a personalized letter from the Easter bunny himself! Thank you so much Christine and Alex!

Thanks also go to Jack and Jeanette Hutton from Stanford Nursery for inviting us to explore their Garden of Eden, and the delicious homemade flapjacks and juice that they treated us to. The children loved the beautiful garden and the enjoyed seeing the Parrots, Love birds, budgies, fish, hamsters and of course our adorable friend, Pancakes the rabbit. Our visit ended with smelling the beautiful dahlias, Roses, and Inca Lilies. What a wonderful learning experience this was.

We have started Monkeynastix at African Giggles, and the children are loving it! Ceres continues to challenge us with her yoga classes, and Yanika’s music classes are a great favorite too. The teachers and pupils look forward to visiting the Farmer’s Market every Friday, where we learn about farming, healthy eating and the value of our money.

This brings us to exciting news. African Giggles will be following the Eco School system of school environmental improvement and environmental learning. This will be done through exploring themes such as; Resource Use, Nature and Biodiversity, Local and Global Issues, Healthy Living and Community and Heritage. The children will participate in fun and informative projects such as planting a garden, bread making as well as looking at types of buildings and their functions.

We look forward to the cooler months with all the exciting learning opportunities that autumn and winter bring. Watch out for us in the streets of Stanford as we collect autumn leaves and splash in puddles!
Thank you again to everyone in the community who supports and encourages our school!

Alexie, Elmarie, Ceres, Celine and the children of African Giggles

Christine and Alex invited the kids over for an Easter bunny hunt. Here are the pics.

Germany´s largest magazine on Cape Town, Kapstadt.com,  published an article about our kindergarten. Please download here (pdf) ARTICLE

please download our newsletter here

HELLO STANFORD!

Liebe Brigitte Jäger.

auf diesem Weg, vielen vielen Dank für die Geldspende. Wir haben diese in neue Spielsachen für unsere Kinder angelegt.

Nachträglich alles Gute zum Geburtstag,

mit den besten Grüßen vom Kap

Jens

WOW, Stanfordians know how to fight for a good cause!

The kids and parents would like to thank all of you for your support to keep African Giggles Kindergarten from closing.

Thank you very, very much! Whether you joined our march, helped to collect supporting signatures or made an encouraging telephone call, thank you . Hundreds of signatures were collected and the numbers are increasing by the day. If you support our effort, please add your name. Your signature might make a difference. Lists are all over town, just ask.

If this does not make any sense to you, let me explain the ‘African Giggles-Battle-For- Survival’.

We moved to Stanford last year and realized the need for high quality private schooling for Nicholas, our son. Together with local parents we decided to sponsor a top notch private kindergarten, putting an end to their struggle to do so on a very limited budget. This makes Stanford more attractive to newcomers with children . The daily inconvenient, expensive trek to Hermanus schools scared a lot of new investors from moving here.

I have to apologize for my next vulgar reference to money, but I hope this might convince and prove to some of our critics, of our commitment to the community. To achieve the above goals (quality schooling, above average facilities and access to white and black children lacking the financial means to do so) Jens and I, supply the premises and cover around 90% of the schools running costs.

Local council approved our application for consent to run the day care centre from 19 Morton Street. We applaud their informed decision and the resulting benefit to the community. Unfortunately 2 appeals (1 from a trust, (local residents are the trustees) supplying short term accommodation to visitors, and another from the holders of a servitude on the same property, (residing outside the country) were received to close the school. Unfortunately I cannot name the trust or trustees, because I received a letter from the trust’s lawyer that his client reserves the right to pursue us for damages by way of action, if I put his client in a bad light. His client insists that we stop any protests, banners, posters etc. to whip up popular sentiment against them.

PLEASE PAY ATTENTION: We are whipping up support to uphold local councils granting of consent to operate the kindergarten.

If popular sentiment against or for the appellant is a result, it is the publics ‘ personal opinion. We call this democracy!

For the record I would like to state that it is the right of every trust or person etc. to appeal against the granting of a consent to operate a kindergarten. The fact that children will not receive desperately needed education, should not put a bad light on the appellant’s democratic right to appeal. Viva, South Africa! However, it is also the communities and my right to publicly show our support or dismay towards any public appeals affecting us.

I find the local residents ‘ attempt to make a black sheep of the other (the foreign) appellant and the cause for their objection, (by saying: “She hates kids and dogs.”) difficult to believe. This might be true, but looking at their great track record of social involvement and their commitment to social projects in the past, I think they might have been misled or misinformed. We are looking forward to their arrival in Stanford and invite them to visit the school.

The local appellant ensured me of their support of the kindergarten and will consider withdrawing their appeal, if African Giggles forfeit some of its legal rights. The trustee proposed the following to me and before I am accused of making up stories, they made the same proposal to our lovely teacher Ms. Lexi Katz:

1. Opening time 08:00 (Sorry for the parents starting work at 08:00)
2. Maximum of ten students (Currently this means, good bye to five under privileged kids, no education for you)
3. The Kindergarten must close during school holidays (This defeats the purpose of a day care centre for working parents)
4. only four kids for after care (Sorry to working parents, tourists and local parents that need a free afternoon).
5. They demand: ” …retraction of all material on your website that tends to denigrate our client and its trustees” (?) (I think this means we cannot tell you who they are.)
6. Saved the best for last. The kindergarten that depends on donations to cover 90% of its costs, that they support in its social effort to sponsor kids from poorer homes, must pay their legal fees. (Let’s deprive another sponsored child from education)

For up to date information please visit www.africangiggles.com.

To get copies of any documents regarding the appeal (available to any person under the right to public information), or correspondence from the appellants to us, give me a call on 028 – 341 0906.

Thanks to the support and encouragement of our fellow Stanfordians, we will, financially and personally, keep fighting, to do good in this town.

Thank you Stanford! It is great to be a part of this town.
Gratefully yours
Daniel Stemmet

(Wanna bet? I ‘ll be sued for writing this letter!!!)

We really hoped all problems were solved and the two neighbors happy. The kids could come to school and we could finally run our kindergarten. Well, unfortunately not. Our neighbor will not withdraw the appeal and we will now have to spend thousands of Rand on legal fees. Money which could have been spent in a much better way.

We thank the town for its overwhelming support. To uphold and to support local council´s approval of our school, we need your support more than ever.

here are the pics

Hereby find an extract from the motivation that was presented to the Local Authority to illustrate why the school was approved in terms of the town planning context of Stanford.

The reasons for the neighbour (erf 432 ) to appeal are clearly unfounded.

Background
A brief history where the school came from up to now. A core group of parents started a kindergarden in a backyard wendy house in Caledon street initially. We started a search for the best option in town, writing letter to the provincial departments to obtain the old clinic site without success (it is still vacant), we then moved to a farm called Crystal Kloof halfway to Hermanus, due to the remote nature we moved to a farm called Ouheerskraal that kindly offered us a wendy house. We rented a toilet for the time knowing we will get something permanent in town. We then met Jens and Daniel who wanted the same for their child. Together we strategised and they decided to buy a house in town, the solution! It ended up being Erf 162. We were desperate to move in before the winter started because the wendy house was not water and wind tight. This entire history was one core group of parents and no other school were closed or suffered as a result. The need is there to have this approved centre in Stanford, the community is responsible for childhood development, why oppose it?

Urban Context & Land Use
Please refer to the attached Map for an illustration of the current land use configuration in the proximity of the application area.

Historical
With reference to the history of Morton street it is clear that it relates to business and institutional uses since the late 1800’s. The first shop (1920) was on the corner of Morton and Church street (erf 96), the first school (1870) was on the corner of Morton and Longmarket street (erf 161). Erf 179 use to be a barbour shop (1950’s) The Anglican church hall in Morton was also used as a place of instruction. The headmaster lived on the corner of Morton and Shortmarket (erf 99). The Okkie Smuts school hostel (1920) was located on erf 160. The teachers had board and lodging in the house on erf 162 (application area). The proximity to the historic common provided for recreational space for school activities and trading activities in the past. Erf 102 was a blacksmith operation. The history reveals that Morton Street was in the heart of a business and school environment. Erf 162 was also operated as a business (restaurant) in late 1990’s. Find attached under Annexure A an historic land use map.

Current
The current land-use around erf 162 can be described as institutional, small business and tourist related. This is evident with reference to the Anglican Church and church hall on erf 159. The church hall is currently used for recreational purposed by the community from Pilates exercise classes to meetings and congregation matters all hours during the entire week (bell’s ring on Sat & Sun early). Erf 94 operate a video shop, Erf 2165 is a artist studio, erf 102 has a graffic design studio, Erf 432 has tourism overnight facilities, erf 1654 recently finished tourism overnight rooms Erf 184 has a estate agent business. Erf 175 operate a nursery business from the premises and Erf 105 operate a shop from the premises. It is clear that in very close proximity to the application area 8 businesses are operational and with various recreational activities taking place within 48 meters from Erf 162, a school 80 meters from Erf 162. This area is clearly not core residential in context and will accommodate a day care centre in context. Find Annexure B for current land use configuration.

Access & Traffic flow
Erf 162 is located on the corner of Morton street and Short market street. Currently Short market has pedestrian and vehicle traffic linking shops with the Stanford south neighbourhood. Morton is also an important distributor due to its proximity to businesses and the market square. The site enjoys excellent access on good roads. The sites proximity in terms of the entire community is good and can be reached by foot. >From the application area the market plain can be accessed for recreational activities.

Currently a one-way system with parking for the businesses in Stanford are proposed around the market square. The parking will supplement the shortage of parking for existing businesses and restaurants in residential areas. Morton will be important to link the two one-ways. Parking for businesses will therefore be 50 meters from Erf 162. This further motivates the fact that the site is not in a core residential or tranquil, peaceful or quite area.

Legal Framework
The school adheres to the LEGAL FRAMEWORK of the STANFORD MUNISIPALITEIT: SONERINGS SKEMA REGULASIES and the GUIDELINES FOR DAY CARE; DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 2001. What is important to note is according to the Departments requirements the proposed centre strive to ensure the following outcome for children like stipulated in the guidelines

• Young children have received a foundation for lifelong learning.
• Parents have been linked with resources (early childhood development programmes) that strengthen and support the family and enable parents to fulfill their responsibility towards their children.
• Children will be happy and enthusiastic to deal with life’s challenges
• Efficient quality assessment and monitoring of ECD services have been ensured/established to protect young children

Conclusion
The day care center with reference to the opportunities that the operation offer to PDI children in Stanford will cater for a much needed gap in the community.

The neighbour´s Cottage is 2,5 meter from the border fence of Erf 162 with a braai area and 2 meter high planted hedge in between. A double garage and trees then buffers the playground area. The noise absorption and buffer does have a mitigating effect on the so-called impact.

It is clear that the area is not pure residential as stated by the objector.
The proposed Erf will not be rezoned therefore the consent can be withdrawn if the parameters aren’t met.

The house was upgraded and restored; this increased the entire areas value. It is subjective and irrational to state that properties next to consent uses will have a drop in value

The owners of Erf 162 were not “unduly rash” they were merely rushed due to the need for this centre and the fact that the core was operational on a farm in a wendy house with a rented toilet and the winter coming.

In these days of gloom and doom how encouraging it is to discover that there are people striving to improve the lives and opportunities of, and for others who, through no fault of their own, are born into poverty, hardship and little hope for the future.

You are to be complimented for your compassion and this practical project to better the lives of the less fortunate.

All strength to your hand.

… There is so much talk about improving this community in local politics ( and I believe that neighbour is involved in communal politics herself) but while a good school is so obviously in the interest of the village, petty personal interest still prevails ( and as you elaborate the there is no conceivable damage to the neighbour). Perhaps the anonymity should be lifted and the neighbour be confronted more directly about this. At least they would have to sustain their attitude in public in the village then. …

… Tourism is a business that should benefit the community in which it operates. The neighbors of the school could support African Giggles and sponsor a local child. They could encourage their guests to get involved in supporting the school as well, and I know that this would benefit their business, because tourists want to get involved in helping the communities that they visit. …

… African Giggles is a multiracial, multicultural school, and most of the children are funded by the owners of the school. I can’t understand how anyone in good conscience can object to an education project that uplifts the local community. …

As a parent of one of the african giggles children i want to say that the little school is a beautiful, warm and loving place. It is no threat to anyone in this town, it is a place with good and true intentions and my daughter is happy with all her friends and teachers.

I think its time to focus on all these good aspects that a place like this brings especially right in the centre of town.
There is no need for the created drama and its time for the parties who have concerns, fears or problems with affrican giggles to just let it be and accept that this school is now opperating..it works well and its not going to close down.

I have been there on a couple of occasions, and have been immensely impressed with the way the school is operated.
The children seem extremely well supervised and taken care of. I was very relieved when African Giggles opened up in Stanford, as this small and intimate setting is exactly what I would wish for my children’s first school experience. Should the school be closed down, for whatever reasons, it would mean enrolling my children in a similar school in Hermanus, which I am loathe to do as I would love them to feel the same love and loyalty towards the village of Stanford as I do.
In my opinion, the loss of African Giggles would be a real step backwards for the village.

On the 21st January the parents and supporters of African Giggles Kindergarten will march (in true South African style) to show their support for the nursery school. This school has been approved by the Overstrand Municipality, however one of the neighbors has appealed this approval, and so the school is now ‘illegal’. The grounds for the neighbor’s objection is that they have a `hospitality business` that they feel will suffer if there is a school next door.

African Giggles is a happy school with wonderful pupils and teachers, and it offers children from all backgrounds a great education. How can anyone object to this? We think that such an objection is totally immoral.

Join our support march on the 21st , at 19 Morton Street at 15h00.

please find pics on following page

We are being confronted by two neighbours, complaining about the noise children make. They run small holiday cottages next to our property and are worried that having a kindergarten next door will decrease the value of their holiday homes. They have lodged formal complaints and after these were turned down, they appealed against this decision. And now because of this appeal, African giggles – kindergarten for Africa will not be able to operate as planned.

What are their reasons?

“Such a commercial enterprise will impose a considerable noise nuisance on adjoining neighbours from increased vehicular traffic and use of the outdoor space by many children. This will adversely affect neighbours’ quiet enjoyment of their properties.”

“Commercial use will adversely affect property values in the adjoining area”

“Decrease in monthly income…”, “Decrease in the value of the property” … “Decrease in the selling price of my hospitality business as a going concern”, “ I feel that the day care centre will affect my business.”

Both do not reside on these premises – they only run small self-catering cottages there, each of them owning one.

We call on the people of Stanford to raise their voices. Please let the town council know about your support. It is about education opportunities for all children of Stanford, also for the ones whose parents normally could not afford day care. 70 percent of African Giggles – children are getting their day care and two meals per day for free, sponsored mostly by the owners of African giggles.

As enige van die bogenoemde u aanstoot gee, of u nie hiermee saamstem nie, wys asseblief u ondersteuning aan African Giggles deur met die stadsraad of die koerant in verbinding te tree. Ons roep die mense van Stanford om hulle stemme te hef in ondersteuning van African Giggles. Dit gaan oor die opvoeding en onderwys van al ons kinders in Stanford, as ook die kinders wie se ouers normaalweg nie dagsorg kan bekostig nie. 70 persent van African giggles kinders kry hulle dagsorg as ook twee maaltye per dag verniet. Dit word hoofsaaklik gesubsideer deur die African Giggles eienaars.

Ukuba akuyamkeli nceda thumela ingxelo yokungayamkeli ku African Giggles okanye kwi Masipala okanye kwi Phephandaba. Sazisa abantu base Stanford amazwi Malunga ne mfundo kubo bonke abantwana base Stanford.Kunye nabazali abangena kuphum elela ukuba namandla eday care. Amashumi asixhenxe epesenti ye African Giggles yabantwana abafumana ukhuseleko nokutya kabini ngemini ngaphandle kwetlawulo. Zonke ezinye ziphuma kwintloko ye African Giggles.

the last day of our year, Santa Claus came around with some presents. Afterwards off for the holidays ….

We will have a camping week from December, 8th until December 12th. Afterwards, the kindergarten will close for the Christmas holidays.

In January we will have the blessing of the building and the kindergarten, So be sure to check this space for more information.

The grounds of Stanford Valley were transformed today into an amphitheatre for an evening of music ranging from classical, light opera arias and duets, French Café, Neopolitan Songs, and many more.

A variety of performers entertained us, including the Cape Town based music collective Le Belle Voci, with Beverley Chiat, Violina Anguelov, Nicola Cencherle, Albert Combrink as well as local singer John Hardie.

African Giggles Kindergarten organised this event to thank the Stanford community for being so welcoming to the school, and to raise funds towards the funding of the sponsored children.

See some pics on next page

Dear Parents

As we approach the end of our second month, we can’t stop thinking just how quickly and smoothly the time has gone. We would like to thank you all for your continual support, it is much appreciated and never goes unnoticed.

The period from birth to six is crucial and is the most important time in the development of a child. We need to remember that each one of our children is their own little individual with unique ambitions. We as adults need to observe and consider the child’s stage of development before making conclusion based on our own preconceived ideas. Our aim is not to inhibit and restrict our children, but rather to allow them to develop and mature at their own pace within a safe and nurturing environment. Remember, however, that it is our duty to guide them and also to teach them right from wrong.

“Freedom and discipline are faces of the same medal” (Maria Montessori)

Just as our children learn from us, we can greatly learn from them! As care-giving adults, we need to try and see the world through our children’s eyes as we see through our own.

THEMES
Our theme this month has been winter and the children have enjoyed using different techniques and mediums in their art activities. We have spoken about the changing colours of the leaves, rain and clouds and the importance of water to our planet. We extended our activities into movements, pretending to be growing flowers. We made wind mills so the children could watch them blow in the wind, another element of the weather. One of our art activities for the children was, to give them pieces of fabric to stick onto cutout gloves, hats, and scarves. We talked about how some people don’t have warm clothes to keep them warm and how lucky we all are!

With so much sadness currently going on globally, it is so important for all of us to be grateful for the small pleasures we so easily take for granted in our own lives and focus on the small kindnesses! For the rest of this month we will continue with winter and leaning about seasons, the importance of dressing and eating correctly to remain healthy.

There will be a monthly letter from Jill Fraser Halkett, Clinical Nutritionist that will be sent out with our monthly letter to reiterate just how vital healthy eating for young children is.

CHARITY
During the month of August a charity box will be put out in the reception area and we would appreciate it if each one of the children could donate at least one item of tinned food a week. This will be an ongoing project but an important one as it will be an introduction to teaching the children about charity and we would like the children to choose which charity they would like to donate the goods to. This will be on going until Christmas time so the concept will grow with the children and later on in the year we will ask you to give away some of your old toys.

ALMARIE
It is with great pleasure that we welcome Almarie to African Giggles. She comes with great experience under her belt, six years of working experience at a special needs school. Almarie has also completed her National Certificate for Early Childhood Development. It is her friendly, patient disposition that has afforded her the respect and trust of the children thus far and we only wish her much more happiness with us.

CELINE
Celine has been Lexie’s right hand from the start and always has the broadest smile one has ever seen. Thank you Celine, we truly appreciate all you do.

BIRTHDAYS
As for June babies there were quiet a few, “A big happy birthday to all of you!” Kara turned 5 on the 11th, Mia turned 3 on the 25th, Kayla turned 4 on the 8th, Lexie turned 21 on the 8th, Daniel turned 21 on the 28th. The next birthday boy is Joshua who will be turning 2 on the 6th of August.

Thanks again to everyone for all your support and a big thank you to Daniel and Jens.

Bravo!
With love

Lexie, Almarie and Celine

‘In youth we learn – in age we understand’
Marie Ebner Eschenbach

Stanford, July 2008

African giggles is a Cape Studies‘ project

We have not inherited the earth from our fathers; we are borrowing it from our children – Lester Brown

DRINKS FOR CHILDREN

What we feed our children will shape their future health, and what they drink is just as important. Children can survive without food, but not without water – it is a vital part of their daily diet, while commercial juices and fizzy drinks should not be given to children for a number of reasons:

• Cot Caries – a condition caused through babies sleeping with bottles in their mouths – is rampant today. The sugar in the milk eats away at their teeth while they peacefully sleep
• the cause sugar levels to rise and over time children can become candidates for Type 2 Diabetes as a result
• Children feel full when they drink sugary and fizzy drinks and so are deprived of good nutrition
  They cause hyperactivity and depletion of concentration levels
• Encourage AD(H)D
• The phosphoric acid in fizzy drinks leaches calcium from bones – there are children as young as 8 years old in North America who have presented with osteoporosis as a result of consuming fizzy drinks every day
• Fizzy drinks are addictive – “But my children like diet coke” – yes, and cocaine addicts and smokers like their drugs too….
• So called sugar-free or diet sodas are an equally unhealthy choice as they contain fructose, which increases weight gain and triglyceride levels, causing internal inflammation. They contain aspartame, a dangerous chemical additive no child should ever consume
• Soda is one of the main reasons why many people suffer health problems and should never be given to a child under the age of 8, but preferably never at all

Water is still the healthiest drink you can give your children. Pure water may be difficult to find, but tap water is far better than any soda or boxed fruit juice, which is concentrated sugar, so must be diluted 4 – 5 times with water. Don’t waste your money on bottled water – it is often no better than regular tap water. If you want the best for your child, buy a distiller and have a beautifully pure rain water equivalent

Milk is also not a very healthy drink for children and adults and is now well-known as causing food sensitivities that result in hay-fever, asthma, eczema, chronic bronchitis and more

We need about a litre of water for every 30kgs of body weight. Soda, juice and milk do not count towards this requirement. It is very sad to read that the leading source of vitamins and minerals in children’s diets comes from juice and milk, both of which should be avoided in a diet for optimal health. Minerals and vitamins are found in food – but this will be a subject for a further “Nutrition for Kids” article

Should you have any queries about nutrition for your child, feel free to contact me

Jill Fraser Halkett
Clinical Nutritionist ((Dip.Clin. Nutr)
jill@nutritionfactory.co.za
www.cabbagesandcream.com
+27(0)28 341 0171

African giggles is a Cape Studies – language school in Cape Town – project.

African Giggles is a Cape Studies – language school in Cape Town – project.

Welcome to African Giggles! This information will help to orientate you and your child to the daily workings of the school and enable you to participate as much as possible in the life of our school.

PARENT HANDBOOK 2009

Don´t tell God how big your storm is,
tell the storm how big your God is

WELCOME!

Welcome to African Giggles! This information will help to orientate you and your child to the daily workings of the school and enable you to participate as much as possible in the life of our school.

The parents, the children and the teachers are the school – African Giggles was started by parents like you, for parents like you who believe in giving your child the best start in life. Together, our ideas and input literally help to shape the school to the ultimate benefit of your children. African Giggles brings together families who have chosen to identify with a common commitment to the shared concerns, values and expectations they have for their children.

At this school we teach our children to understand and appreciate cultural differences and shared human values, peace, independence, human dignity and a celebration of life. Every child deserves to be acknowledged as a unique, growing individual. The years of early childhood can be vastly enriched by a school where the pupils are treated with dignity, given a sense of safety, inspired and stimulated to learn. Such an environment will encourage and equip them to realise their natural potential and become conscientious members of the community. We believe that a school, like the growing child must be alive and constantly evolving. At African Giggles we are committed to continually improving our programmes, expanding our knowledge and incorporating the best new ideas into our classes. We have created an educational environment which emphasises challenging academics, self esteem, positive discipline and peaceful conflict resolution skills.

By allowing children to develop a meaningful degree of independence and self discipline, the kindergarten experience sets a pattern for a lifetime of good work habits and responsibility. At African Giggles we aim to teach children to think for themselves and to discover and develop their unique talents and possibilities. Children work at their own pace, and learn in ways that work best for them as individual learners. There is an atmosphere of kindness and respect in which children discover that they are capable and independent human beings.

At African Giggles we strive to teach the children to think, not simply to memorise, feedback and forget, because we are convinced that learning the right answers is not enough. We help children to learn how to learn. The results are a love of learning, respect for life and an appreciation of each child’s unfolding spirit.

ADMISSION POLICY
If you wish to enrol your child at African Giggles Kindergarten, an application form along with an administration fee must be submitted to the school. We cannot enrol a child before receiving the necessary forms and meeting with parents.

If your child is accepted, the following should be submitted as soon as possible to secure a place:
• Enrolment form
• Consent and Indemnity form
• Copy of one parent/guardian’s identity document
• Previous reports from any therapists and previous reports from any school attended
• last page of this handbook signed to confirm that you have read it and agree to its content
• Non refundable registration fee

African Giggles reserves the right of admission.

Financial Policies:
Payment of School fees: All school fees must be paid promptly in accordance with the option chosen by you:
• Monthly: Payable in advance on or before the first day of each month. (if this falls during school holidays, arrangements are to be made in advance.)
• Termly fees attract at 2.5% discount and are payable as follows:

Bank Details for Electronic banking Transfer:
Name of Account: African Giggles, First National Bank Hermanus, Branch Code: 200 412, 622 021 35 275

Required Termination Notice: Please note that a full term’s notice in writing is required should you need to remove your child from our school.

Please find below our updated Fee Schedule and Terms for 2009:

New Enrolments:
Registration Fee: non refundable (R50)
Deposit: refundable when child leaves school – R1500

All Enrolled Children:
Yearly Insurance: charge of R240 (Payment to be made by 1st January 2009)
Fees: are payable on or before the 1st day of the month.

Administrative Surcharge: The school reserves the right to apply administrative surcharges on overdue accounts (10%) and to hand over accounts for collection if necessary. All costs incurred will be for the account of the person/s who has/ have signed responsibility for fee payments. Please phone to discuss any fee payment queries or problems with the Accounts Person – Deborah Mauerberger. Deborah is available to take your calls during the afternoon from 2pm – 5pm. She can be reached on 0794655917.

Extra activities: are charged separately from school fees.
morning session (8.30 – 12.30) & afterschool care (12.30 – 16)

Communication:
Please check your child’s bag every day for communication from school. The newsletters contains important information, so it is necessary for you to read them carefully and to diarise any important dates. We have an open door policy. Please feel free to make an appointment to discuss any concerns or queries with the teachers. We ask that you understand that the teacher’s responsibility during school hours is to help the children, so please telephone to set up a meeting.

Your child may not always have something to show for time spent at school as many of the projects that we undertake with them are part of an ongoing process and time is spent on puzzles, games and equipment. Please talk to your child about issues that are being discussed at school and get involved with him/her by pointing out these issues in daily life, in magazines and in books. The themes that are being dealt with in the classroom will be in the monthly newsletters. It is very important for teacher and parents to establish and maintain close communication. Please feel free to ask questions or discuss anything related to your child’s progress.

Saying Good-bye: Tips for parents on separation:
Many young children and their parents feel a bit nervous when they leave one another in an unfamiliar situation. A few tears may even be expected when children start school.

On the first day of school, please don’t linger too long in the class or react with alarm if your child is hesitant about the separation. It is very important to reassure children about where you will be during the day, and what time you will pick them up in the afternoon. Some children may be sad for a little while during the first few days, but kind words and reassurance from the teachers almost always alleviates their fears. We have found that a short and positive good-bye is easiest for the child.
Prolonged good-byes often make separation more difficult. Feel free to call the school for reassurance that your child has settled in and is adjusting well.

Picking your child up early:
Naturally, there will be occasions when you will need to take your child out of school early for a doctor’s appointment or similar obligation. To ensure that your child will be ready, please send a note to the teacher or phone the day before to let us know what time you will be collecting him / her. Unless we receive specific permission from you to do otherwise, we will only release your child to the people that you have specifically nominated.

We must receive a note, or in an emergency a phone call, from you in order to release your child to someone not on your list. This rule applies to children going home with school friends as well.

Children should be picked up promptly at 12.30. When parents are late it worries the children.

Attendance:
It is in your child’s best interest to attend school regularly. Consistency and routine are imperative for your child’s development. If your child is sick, especially with a contagious illness, please keep him/her at home for the full duration of quarantine.

Clothing:
Please see to it that your child is dressed comfortably and ensure that all clothes are clearly marked. Children must have a spare set of clothes in their bag.

Toys:
No toys or super hero costumes are allowed at school. Please deal with this at home as it lends itself to a bad start to the day when the teacher has to start off by taking the toys away. Explain to the child that toys are precious and may be broken at school. African Giggles takes no responsibility for toys brought to school.

Items of Interest:
Please encourage your child to bring flowers for the classroom, items for the nature table or newspaper clippings of interest. Insects’ should be sent in suitable aerated containers with appropriate food. As the emphasis in the classroom is always that of love and respect of all things, these creatures will be set free once the children have seen them

Show and Tell;
We encourage children to bring interesting items to show us and talk about to the class every Friday.

Birthdays:
Parents like to send special treats for their children on their birthdays – these are always welcome, but not compulsory. If you wish to give special treats, please only supply ONE of the following, as they agree with most children, are easy to manage and can be eaten by those on special diets:
Popcorn, plain salted chips, marshmallows, jelly babies or any soft eating sweets, cup cakes, biscuits, muffins or a cake. Alternatively arrange with the teacher to bring cake or cookie mix so that the children can participate in making the cake. Please DO NOT send birthday invitation to school to be handed out if you are not inviting the whole class.

Celebrations:
There is no task more worthwhile than to introduce young child to the earth and fill their minds with wonder; to get them interested in all the different cultures of the world. Ignorance breeds fear and prejudice. Our role as educators is to help children to learn to live in peace and harmony with all people and the environment. To do this, we must find a way of making that which is foreign to the child’s experience come alive.
We see the classroom as a community. We are all part of the larger community of our village, and ultimately of Man. Family, friends and beauty surrounds us. So often we are too involved in our everyday affairs to notice the passing of the seasons and the milestones that mark our lives. At African Giggles, the teachers will work with the seasons, festivals and special happenings in our community and celebrate these with the children.

Outings:
At African Giggles we like to go on an outing at least twice a term, and parents will be informed of these in advance. Certain outings will require a small entrance fee which parents need to pay. Parents are requested to help with lifts for outings. Those who volunteer must be in possession of a valid driver’s licence, a cell phone, and seat belts in good working order for each child. “Child lock” facilities are also essential for lifting any child.

When your child is ill:
When ever your child is ill and won’t be coming to school, please call the school between 8.00 and 9am to let us know. Children with infection diseases, such as chicken pox or strep throat, must stay out of school until the contagious stage has passed. For the sake of the other children’s health it is vital that you let the school know of your child’s doctor’s diagnosis as soon as possible.

In the case of a common cold and influenza the child should remain at home as long as there is a fever present, a sore throat, eye infection or severe nasal secretions. Children with symptoms of vomiting, diarrhoea, head lice, or undiagnosed skin rash should remain at home also. Children will be sent home if any of these symptoms appear at school.

If your child gets sick at school:
Children that feel ill are isolated. If they seem to be fairly sick, or if after a brief time they feel too ill to return to class, we will contact you to arrange for your child to be picked up right away.

REMEMBER:
Because colds, flue and other childhood illnesses spread from child to child with alarming speed, please do not send your child to school if he has a fever, nausea or any other symptoms of illness. Children who come to school ill take longer to recover, and infect other children, and the staff.
Weather permitting; children will go outside to play every day. If you feel that your child may be too sick to go out to play, then your child is probably too ill to be at school.

Emergency Care:
In the event of any medical situation that requires immediate medical attention, we will want our child to see a doctor right away. We must be able to reach you at any time during the school day.
If your child needs immediate medical attention, and you cannot be reached, we will take your child to the emergency room at the Hermanus Hospital, as well as contacting your child’s General Practitioner. Naturally, we will continue our efforts to contact you. Please be sure to inform the school immediately if there is any change in your address or phone number during the academic year.

Medication:
Please do not send medicine to be taken at school, as those who need to be on medication are ill, and need special care at home. Except under extraordinary situations, we prefer not to administer medication at school.

Special Needs:
Some children require specialised guidance in addition to that received in the school environment. Should any problems arise that require a professional’s input, we will discuss this with you immediately and advise you on whom to approach. It is really important to note that once we do make an assessment and require this additional input we have observed the child carefully, and base our assessment on a genuine concern for the child’s development. We thus require you to take the necessary action and follow up on the recommendation as soon as possible. Every professional will agree that early intervention is the key to resolving problems, as well as consistent and intensive focus on the problem.

The African Giggles education is a holistic one that looks at every aspect of the child (physical, emotional, social, cognitive, moral/spiritual) and this includes aspects such as diet, discipline structures, allergies, home circumstances etc. Although it may seem invasive, we do require as much information as possible such as medical and personal information. Please have our assurances that all information given to the school is treated with the utmost respect and confidence and is only sought in order to help the child reach his/her full potential.

Ground Rules:
African Giggles expects students to demonstrate kindness, courtesy and respect toward the school and fellow students, teachers and staff.

Our goal is to establish a safe, warm and caring environment within which we teach children positive and appropriate ways to handle situations, rather than to assume that misbehaviour and punishment are inevitable: to develop a strong sense of self discipline, responsibility and courtesy, to develop an atmosphere conducive to peaceful learning. When anyone finds it difficult to follow the schools expectations about interpersonal conduct, we will quickly bring the student, family and staff together to work towards a solution.
We follow an approach based on empowerment, mutual respect and trust. Neither corporal punishment, nor physical or emotional intimidation, is allowed at African Giggles.

Please review these school guidelines with your child:
• Be kind and gentle to one another.
• Everyone has a right to privacy and concentration. Please don’t disturb anyone who is trying to concentrate on their work.
• Every one has a right to their personal belongings. Please do not touch anything that is not yours without the owner’s permission. If you accidentally lose or break something please replace it without a fuss.
• Everyone has the right to feel safe and secure. Please don’t express anger or upset feelings in a way that insults or threatens someone else.
• Everyone here has the right to be physically safe. Please don’t do anything that might hurt or endanger anyone.
• At African Giggles no one is allowed to fight, push, pinch, trip or use any other aggressive behaviour.
• Use playground equipment as intended.
• Let everyone who wants to play, join in with games.
• Stop chasing or playing scary games when asked.
• Do not leave your teachers supervision without permission.

Daily requirements:
Things to bring every day:
• A school bag that is easy for the child to manage independently and that can fit in a locker.
• A full change of clothing (everything clearly marked with your child’s name).
• Art apron
• Sun hat during summer. Please apply sunblock to your child before school
• Warm hat and wellies for outdoors in winter
• A healthy snack of fruit and / or vegetables. The school provides sandwiches.
• Each child should bring their own leak proof water bottle with a lid or nozzel
• Please ensure that bags and all items of clothing and bottles are clearly marked
• Nappies and wipes where necessary

MORNING ROUTINE :
08:30 Please ensure that children are here by 08.30 as late arrivals are disruptive and inconsiderate to the rest of the class who are already busily at work
08:30 – 10:00 Uninterrupted work period including the morning circle and creative activities.
10:00 – 10:30 Snack time followed by library time
10:45 – 11.15 Playtime in the garden. We have lots of activities for the children to benefit from during their outdoor play. Children are allowed free play during this time to explore and discover as well as perfect their gross motor skills on the out door equipment.
11:15-12.00 A range of activities depending on the theme for the week. This includes group time, art and crafts, baking.
12:00 – 12:30 Tidying up and story time, then home time.

Calendar:
• January 2009 Blessing of the school and building (catholic)
• 1st September 2009– Spring celebration and official school ‘launch’
• 24 September 2009 – School closed for Heritage day public holiday
• October 2009 – Stanford bird festival
• December 2009 – School concert
• 12 December 2009 – end of year picnic, school closes

soon we will have our official opening – here are some pics for the time being.

African giggles is a Cape Studies – language school in Cape Town – project.

African giggles is a Cape Studies – language school in Cape Town – project.

Cape Studies – language school in Cape Town

lots of work, but we found a place to run the kindergarten from. gonna be good

Oma Emma, 1921 – 2008

Ich werd´Dich niemals vergessen.