Nokwesi is the soul and heart of Qolweni

Siyakhula Preschool, located in Plettenberg bay, South Africa in the township Qolweni has been a source of hope and opportunity for children in this area since 1997. Nokwesi founded the preschool, which she also heads, with a simple, but powerful, mission: to make sure that children from the township can access education, despite their hardship.

Nokwesi recalls the circumstances which inspired her to open the preschool. She says that people were relocated to Qolweni by the local authorities who wanted to build high-quality houses elsewhere. “Homes, schools and other facilities were destroyed. Those who remained were left without education for their kids. Siyakhula Preschool was opened for this reason. “I wanted to give these children a chance they wouldn’t otherwise have had.” In the early days, there were many challenges. Many parents were unemployed, and therefore unable to pay for preschool fees. Nokwesi struggled for funding and donations, which were almost nonexistent. She had to pay her staff and provide meals for three students a day, the only meals they would have throughout the entire day. Many of the children who attended the preschool were from low-income backgrounds. It was not just a place where they could learn but a way to survive. Nokwesi explains, “I recall children coming to school hungry and unable concentrate.” “Food was as essential as teaching ABCs or numbers.”

A woman’s role added an additional layer of difficulty. Nokwesi remembers having to fight harder for recognition and support. She admits that at first, people did not take her seriously. “I needed to prove I could do it, that I could manage a staff, run a classroom, and care for the kids. It wasn’t an easy task, but I knew if I quit, the Qolweni children would be left with nowhere to turn.

Siyakhula Preschool, in recognition of the needs of the entire community, runs a soup kitchen each Friday using food leftovers from local supermarkets. Nokwesi explained that not only children needed food. This allowed us to assist anyone in need, and brought the whole community together. Families come from the entire township to eat the meals. This initiative has become an important reminder that Qolweni is more than a preschool.

Siyakhula preschool has made a significant impact on the lives of girls. Nokwesi says that many young girls do not finish school because they marry and have children young. This ends their education. By giving these girls a chance to learn we can help prevent early marriages and give them an opportunity for a brighter future. “Education opens doors that they would not otherwise have.”

Another cornerstone is language education. Children are taught primarily in Xhosa. This helps them to feel connected and confident. The children also study English to give them an advantage in the future when they are looking for employment or further education. Nokwesi explains that “being bilingual opens doors and gives our children opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have.” The staff of Siyakhula Preschool is deeply involved in their community. The staff at Siyakhula Preschool have been working there for many years. They form strong bonds with the families and support children academically and emotionally. Parents return often to tell stories about their children’s achievements, reinforcing education’s value and inspiring the younger students to dream big. Nokwesi emphasizes academic learning, but also emotional growth and social skills.

Siyakhula Preschool, which has been in operation for more than 20 years, has taught over 2,000 students, some of whom went on to pursue higher education at universities both in South Africa as well as abroad. Some of the children who have been educated at Siyakhula Preschool are already in their dream career. Their achievements show what can be achieved when children receive early support and opportunities.

Nokwesi’s ambitious plans for the future include expanding Siyakhula Preschool into grades one, two and three. The children would no longer need to travel long distances on buses to continue their education. This would make the schooling of the township’s younger learners more accessible. She acknowledges, “But without support this will not happen.” We need community members, donors and partners to make this vision real. Each bit of assistance, whether through volunteering, donations, or mentoring, can make a significant difference in the lives of these children. Nokwesi’s story is one of courage, perseverance and hope. She has overcome financial obstacles, societal pressures, and the burden of responsibility. Yet, she has never wavered from her commitment to Qolweni’s children. Siyakhula Preschool is more than just an educational institution. It’s a place where children feel empowered and are encouraged to dream.

Siyakhula Preschool is changing lives every day. From the children who receive their first meal at school, to girls learning that education gives them freedom and choice, to families fed by the Friday soup kitchen. Nokwesi’s vision reminds that one person, with the right dedication, support and belief, can transform an entire community.