Ubhudubhudu Creche
uBhudu Bhudu Project
Introduction
Gathering Together fosters meaningful connections—physically, emotionally, and intellectually—that help meet the needs of individuals and communities. We have discovered that when people come together, those who reach out often gain a deeper understanding of their own needs. Our goal is to inspire a dedicated team that establishes and maintains vital channels of assistance between those in need and those who can provide help.
These channels often manifest as service trips to various parts of the world, local service projects, opportunities to support specific needs, and, most importantly, the relationships that blossom from these efforts.
Humble Beginnings
The Ubhudubhudu creche is situated in one of the most impoverished rural districts of South Africa. Families in this small village, nestled in the beautiful mountains of KwaZulu Natal, grapple with numerous challenges, including poor economic growth, high unemployment rates, a lack of basic services, limited access to skills training, and inadequate social infrastructure.
Ngiphiwe Princess Mngadi founded the Ubhudubhudu creche out of a deep desire to change the future for children who could not attend creche due to their remote living conditions. She began the creche in a derelict rondavel, furnished with just four plastic tables and chairs. Eventually, the creche moved to a small room in the Induna’s house (the community elder), which measured only 3m x 3m and was too cramped and unsafe for the 16 children it served. In June 2014, Sr. Vicky Skhosana, a professional nurse at the GJ Crookes Crisis Centre, introduced the creche’s plight to community workers in Pennington, Umdoni municipality. In 2015, the Pennington community on the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal invested their time and resources to gradually improve the creche. Umdoni Christian Academy generously donated a wooden classroom measuring 7.5 x 3.5m, providing the children with a safe space they could finally call ‘school.’ Tribal authorities granted the land to the creche, and local businesses facilitated the transportation of the classroom over 51 km, with a group of retired friends reassembling it in just four days.
The children joyfully celebrated their new school with a Christmas party, marking the beginning of many events that would strengthen relationships between community members and the Pennington community, which continued to invest in the creche. Students from Umdoni Christian Academy hosted the learners, ensuring everyone had a wonderful time.
The Creche Takes Shape
In 2019, a fire destroyed the classroom, but with the support of Breadline Non-profit, two new classrooms and a small kitchen were built. Breadline also installed a rainwater collection tank, which was periodically filled by the municipality, ending the children’s arduous journey to fetch water from a river nearly a kilometer away. Access to safe drinking water is often taken for granted in many parts of the world. By 2021, a third classroom was added, thanks to local businesses like AquaGLO, His Church South Coast, and Umdoni Christian Academy, allowing the creche to accommodate even more rural children.
Gathering Together’s involvement began during the Covid pandemic in 2020, when Princess had to find a way to feed her learners, as school meals were often their only source of nutrition. The Pennington community reached out for assistance, unable to connect with Princess and in need of funds to continue supporting the village. Gathering Together expanded its efforts, delivering food regularly to Princess and the Ubhudubhudu village. Lara Olson also provided support to Princess, who faced ongoing health issues exacerbated by the proximity to the local clinic and the province’s poor healthcare system.
Gathering Together remains committed to building and strengthening relationships forged by countless inspiring community volunteers who have served Princess and the Ubhudubhudu creche. A brighter future is within reach for these children in rural South Africa, but there is still much to be done. We encourage everyone in our global community to engage and make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Looking Ahead: Be a Part of the Bright Future!
We express our heartfelt gratitude to all the partners who have made this progress possible. A brighter future is indeed possible for these children in rural South Africa, but we still have work ahead. We invite everyone in our global community to get involved and positively impact the lives of the children in this rural area.
