31 Jan 2019

Kindergarten owners in Mahalapye have been urged to give parents the assurance that the institutions were safe havens for their children.

Mahalapye Sub-council assistant secretary, Mr Chakalisa Chiapo, who was officiating at a three-day workshop organised by the local authority for preschool managers recently, appealed to them to uphold high standards of child safety.

Explaining that the aim of the gathering was to discuss the welfare of children at kindergartens, Mr Chiapo said caring for children was the primary role of preschools,  adding that working in such an environment must be motivated by the love for children.

“I believe your love for children has inspired you to venture into such business endeavours and I therefore appreciate your contribution in moulding future leaders at a young age,” he said.

Meanwhile, principal environmental officer, Ms Landie Maemo emphasised that a clean environment was conducive for learning and urged day care centres to abide by the health standards requirements set by the council.

Classrooms must be spacious to avoid congestion and allow free air circulation, she said, adding that a pre school should be located some distance from any potential physical and chemical hazard.

“Personal hygiene and solid waste management are also mandatory,” she said.

Responding, preschool managers complained that some parents were uncooperative and made unreasonable demands such as wanting their children to be restricted from playing with others.

Principal home economics officer, Ms Letlhogonolo Basuki appealed to preschool owners to be in a position to advise parents on what was expected from them in order to avoid unnecessary confrontations.

“They must understand the reason for taking their children at preschools,” she added.

Ms Basuki said it was important for children to be exposed to others through play as it would improve their communication and interaction skills.

 She further appealed to preschool owners to not only focus on the business side of things, but also to engage parents fully to offer children the much needed foundation. ENDs