Baemedi program: Sponsor and match with a Child

Children growing up in South Africa, particularly in areas like Mabopane, often face numerous social and economic challenges, including high unemployment rates, limited educational opportunities, and other disadvantages. Ratanang Day Care Centre is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where children can receive holistic care, protection, and ongoing education. Through collaborative efforts, the Social Worker and the Day Care Centre have conducted home visits and assessments to better understand the family dynamics and financial situations of the children’s parents. This information has been vital in refining interventions, ensuring the best outcomes for the children's educational and developmental needs.

Ratanang Day Care Center, a Project of Lesedi la Batho consisted of three classess divided by different age and developmental levels 

Kitties Class

The Kitties Class caters to children aged 6 months to 2 years, focusing on early developmental stages. Under the guidance of three dedicated teachers, these young learners participate in skill-building activities, including singing, dancing, role play, and storytelling, helping them develop social, cognitive, and motor skills. The class also emphasizes language development and potty training, providing a nurturing environment where the children can explore and grow.

Leano
When starting at Ratanag Day Care this year, Leano began as a shy and reserved child but has made significant strides in building confidence and social skills. She now actively participates in group singing and other activities, showcasing her natural talent for music. Leano is a fast learner, eager to explore new things every day. With her growing confidence, she has become more interactive and engaged with her peers.

Zoku
Zoku joined Ratanang Day Care in 2023. Initially, Zoku was learning basic physical skills such as crawling. Over the past year, she has shown impressive development, now confidently standing, walking, and even dancing. Her language skills have also improved, with the ability to understand and respond to simple words. Zoku enjoys socializing and recently attended her first educational trip, where she demonstrated enthusiasm and curiosity.

Ofentse
Ofentse enrolled at Ratanang Day Care in 2023, He initially struggled with adjusting to group settings, has blossomed into a talkative and caring child. His physical development has been notable, as he quickly moved from crawling to walking with confidence. Ofentse now speaks fluently, participates actively in class activities, and enjoys singing. His exposure to educational trips has broadened his understanding, and he has developed a love for music.

Leano, Zoku, and Ofentse have each demonstrated remarkable growth, overcoming initial challenges and developing essential skills. With continued encouragement and support, they are on a promising path of learning and development.

Bunnies Class

The Bunnies Class is designed for children aged 2 to 3 years who are beginning to transition to more structured learning activities. Here, children are introduced to foundational skills like writing, coloring, counting, and reciting the alphabet. They also complete potty training, moving to regular underwear, while building confidence in a supportive environment.

Mpho
Mpho enrolled at Ratanang Day Care in 2023, she started as a shy child who struggled to hold a crayon and hesitated to interact with peers. Over time, she has become more expressive, made friends, and developed an interest in coloring and other activities. She can now confidently hold a crayon and participates actively in class. Her social and motor skills have improved greatly, and she continues to show enthusiasm in learning.

Odirile
Upon starting daycare in 2023, Odirile adapted quickly to potty training but faced challenges in other areas, such as holding a crayon and recognizing numbers. With consistent support, she can now confidently identify and recite numbers. Though she can be both shy and talkative, she is more engaged with her classmates and shows growing confidence.

Omphemetse
Omphemetse joined the daycare as a toddler in 2023 while still in nappies but adjusted well to his new environment. Energetic and enthusiastic, he actively engages in class activities. Although he is still working on mastering fine motor skills like holding a crayon, he is making steady progress. His mother has been a great support, volunteering at the daycare and completing a course in baby care and child health to improve their family’s well-being.

The children in the Bunnies Class have shown commendable progress, with notable improvements in their motor, social, and cognitive skills. Consistent support from teachers, caregivers, and family members has been essential to their growth.

Butterfly Class

The Butterfly Class is designed for children aged 3 to 5 years who are preparing for Grade R. At this stage, the focus is on mastering key foundational skills, including writing, speaking, counting, and learning the alphabet. Learners also explore topics like the seasons, days of the week, and months of the year. Through interactive activities, the class builds confidence and prepares children for the transition to formal schooling.

Onalerona
Onalerona joined Ratanag Day Care as a toddler, He is a well-mannered and kind boy who is ready for big school. He has shown remarkable growth and can now write his name confidently. His positive attitude and eagerness to learn have been evident throughout his time at the daycare, preparing him well for the next stage of his educational journey.

Andiswa:
Andiswa, a Zulu-speaking child enrolled as Ratanang Day Care 2024.  She initially struggled with a language barrier, which affected her academic and communication skills. However, she has made significant progress, improving both in understanding academic concepts and communicating effectively with peers and teachers. Continued support will help her further develop her skills.

Inamandla
Inamandla enrolled at Ratanag Day Care in 2023, she is a gentle child who has made great strides in her development. Initially struggling with speaking, writing, and following instructions, she has shown significant improvement through structured learning. Her mother has expressed gratitude for the progress she has made, and we are proud of her achievements.

The children across all classes have demonstrated admirable progress. From building social skills to achieving developmental milestones, each child has overcome challenges and grown in their unique ways. The support from teachers, families, and the community has been instrumental, and we look forward to continuing this journey of learning and growth.

The Baemedi program helps keep a child in school to avoid missing the crucial developmental stage of their lives, be it socially, mentally and physically.  

Early Childhood Development is a vital stage that paves way for a child’s success in school however with the very weak economic climate and social challenges we face, a child’s Early Childhood Development is often a sacrifice in order to meet other household need.

Through the Baemedi program we are able to provide relief to struggling teen parents who are still finding their feet in motherhood and financial independence while juggling school.

Thanks to your sponsorship, today Baitumetse, Orephemetse, Onalerona and Ofentse are in school and doing well academically because of the foundation obtained while attending Ratanang Day Care Centre.

Ofentse’s Story

Ofentse was a Baemedi beneficiary who is now in grade two at a local school. Since he stepped into school Ofentse has been excelling in his subjects and in 2023 he was the top achiever in his grade.  This is evident that Ratanang Day care Center is necessary to ensure that a child excels in school. All this is only possible through the donations and support from you.