Limited Dimensions

Our school is situated in a community where big homes and plush gardens are not the norm. There are no leafy backyards or poolside areas. Every inch of extra space is used for more housing and even those who have a little extra space, do not have the luxury of spaciousness when money calls. Very soon, grandpas rose gardens are forced to be transformed into income generating living spaces.

Its fitting that our little school also sometimes struggles to make space work. Twice weekly we have Occupational Therapists come from The Learning Initiative. Vuyo and Ntsiki come and work with children between the ages of 4-5yrs old. They walk past my desk with big smiles and our high fives or fist bumps are as meaningful to me as to them. The Blocks 4 Growth Programme has been run in partnership with The Learning Initiative the past four years. They identify children with learning challenges and work closely with the children, teacher and parents to help get the child school ready.

We may not have the additional space needed but we have become resourceful with the space we have. We will shape shift and make sacrifices for the children because we value what's most important for them.

Our children's families often share very small spaces with many people. Privacy is a luxury and having your 20yr old 'fly the coop' to independence is so rare. We encourage easy home learning. Counting fruit and veg while Mom cooks. Learning colours by passing the red tomatoes and peeling the orange naartjie. Creative learning is still possible in limited spaces.