Mogalakwena River Lodge
Project
Matome Crèche and Pre-School is a non-profit organization that supports about 50 children from birth through 5 years old. It was established in January 2005 to give children access to early childhood development along with nutritional support and development. The school endeavors to develop children holistically with an objective to encourage language and listening skills by communicating through singing and telling stories.
The organization is situated in the small rural village of Simpson, Limpopo, South Africa. It consists of 1 classroom that can accommodate between 30 and 50 learners. There is no administrative equipment (which they are in desperate need of) or library.
Needs
General School Supplies:
Book Bags, Chalk, College-Ruled Paper, Colored Construction Paper, Colored Pencils, Crayons, Dry-Erase Markers, Erasers, Glue Sticks, Handheld Pencil Sharpeners, Markers, Pencils, Pencil Cases/Bags, Pens, Rulers, and Solar Lantern Lights
Reference Materials:
(English) Dictionaries and Age Appropriate Encyclopedias on CD
Flash Cards:
(English) Alphabet, Math, and Word
Laminated Wall Charts:
(English) Human Body, Language, Science, and World Maps
Text/Reading Books:
(English) Age-Appropriate Story Books, Health, Language/Grammar, and Math
Art Supplies:
Acrylic Brushes and Paints, Craft Glue, Craft Scissors, and Watercolor Brushes and Paints
Educational Games/Toys:
Bananagrams, Chess Sets, Puzzles, Scrabble, and Stuffed Animals/Soft Toys
Music Instruments:
Castanets, Cymbals, Guiros, Harmonicas/Kazoos, Maracas, Recorders, Tambourines, Triangles, and Xylophones
Sports/Outdoor Activity:
Frisbees, Jump Ropes, Netball/Basketballs, Soccer Balls, Team Uniforms/Kits for Soccer, Tennis Balls, and Whistles
Clothing/Shoes:
New or Gently Used Children’s Clothing and Shoes
First Aid/Health:
Antibiotic Ointment, Band-Aids, and Sanitary Napkins
Office Supplies:
Markers, Pencils, Pens, Rulers, and Scissors
Health/Personal Grooming:
Bars of Soap, Multivitamin Tablets, Shampoos, Toothbrushes, and Toothpaste
Initiatives Supported
Listed on this page are the specific needs requested by the community project(s) so you can choose exactly what to pack for a purpose and express your gratitude to the local community with the supplies you take them. If you prefer, you may reach out directly to them to inquire about items which may be available for purchase locally. Arranging visits to community projects is beyond the scope of our mission. If you wish to visit a project, contact the participant and they can let you know what is possible.
Candy and balloons are not on the needs list as they are harmful for the children and the environment for the following reasons:
• Few of the children benefiting from these projects have access to toothpaste, toothbrushes, or a dentist. The candy promotes cavities.
• The balloons once they become deflated are a choking hazard for local wildlife.
Instead of taking candy or balloons, use that space for additional requested supplies, as they are priceless.
