Fast forward to 2024

Local schools were overcrowded, with up to 45 children in a class. By the time a child reaches Grade 3, they should be able to read and do simple counting. This was not happening and the news on all the social media platforms was that although scholars could read, (sound the word), they could not read for meaning. At the same time the local, small village schools were not keeping up with the more affluent ones with regards to maths and language, partially due to the overcrowding and lack of facilities.

This was exacerbated by the fact that the parents were mostly uneducated and not able to assist with homework. So we purchased some secondhand Lego and started a Lego club on a rug, in the dirt under a tree next to a graveyard.

It grew weekly until the numbers exceeded 50 participants each time. With winter approaching, we acquired a spacious warehouse and we now have a Lego room, equipped with tables and chairs in bright colours. 

The news quickly spread and people started donating the Lego that their kids had outgrown. The Lego club runs every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, and all children of all ages are welcome to play. In doing so, they are learning spatial awareness, perspective, maths skills and teamwork – all preparing them for later when they will be exposed to coding and robotics in high school.