Sijongephambili

The name Sijongephambili simply means ‘looking forward’ and with great vision and a desire to help others- providing a sound foundation for the future education of all children this is what the head mistress Lizzie Mathiso had in mind when she opened her crèche.

Sijongephambili is situated in Lwandle in Strand. It was opened in 1999 by Miss Lizzie Mathiso.  The pre-school began its operations in a hostel out of Lizzie’s own room as she saw the need within her community to look after the children during the day.  The school began with 10 children and by 2001 the school had grown to 45 children, Lizzie then had a second room in the hostel which she also used to accommodate the children.  In 2005 the City council leased a piece of land to Lizzie in Lwandle where she currently operates from now.  A church in Strand donated 2 wendy houses for the classrooms and Lizzie purchased a third small wendy house which is used as a kitchen.  Now in 2006 the school has grown to 65 children.  There are 45 babies and 20 children between the ages of 4-6 who attend pre-school classes in preparation for primary school.
Lizzie has 2 teachers in her employee one who looks after the babies and the second who attends to the pre-schoolers.

Lizzie Mathiso is a woman with vision and with great compassion for those within her community- her aim is to empower these children with the gift of education and a safe haven for them to spend their days while their parents are at work.   After visiting the school we were astounded by the conditions in which the school operates- with no sanitation or play area for the children we were immediately decisive that we can help them and after meeting with the children our passion grew even further- they are so innocent, vibrant and happy, pure joy emanates from them and any gift which we can give them will be greatly appreciated.

Every child should be given an equal opportunity in life no matter their creed, race and living circumstances. While it is imperative that Sijongephambili is in itself empowered to sustain a healthy environment for all the children we feel that South Africa as a nation can lend a helping hand in creating a wonderful school for these children to go to each and every day. 

Lizzie Mathiso