The original objective began with a few women initially starting a feeding program for poor children. It eventually came to include a day care component where children could be left by their parents (mostly single mothers) who could then find casual work. The day care program, which also doubles as a pre-school program, follows a Montessori system where children learn social and intellectual skills through play and interaction with each other. This provides the confidence necessary to counter their economically disadvantaged backgrounds and help the children make the transition to formal education. As part of its four prong strategy for addressing the emotional, educational, nutritional and health needs of its children, the Centre also runs an immunization program. The Centre targets all vulnerable children in the community with emphasis on children between 2 and 12. To ensure that the program is not misused and the community understands the aims of the Centre, parents are required to bring reference letters when referring their children.

Progression of the Centre Since Origination:

February 2004
The children gathered in a tin shed, sitting on plastic sheeting. It was so dark you could not see the children’s faces. The support staff consisted of one teacher and one cook.