Bokamoso ECD Centre: A Journey of Perseverance, Leadership, and Collaboration

In the heart of Vredefort, a story of hope and transformation is being written at Bokamoso Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre. Meaning "the future," Bokamoso was founded in 2012 by Mrs. Elizabeth Ratema, a former domestic worker from Vereeniging, who returned to her home village to support her family. Unsure of how to provide for them, Mrs. Ratema turned to her passion for children, starting a small preschool in her backyard with just four children. This modest beginning set the stage for an incredible journey of community impact, one that would be shaped by resilience, dedication, and unwavering support from Ntataise’s training programmes.

?

Upon her return to Vredefort, Mrs. Ratema was determined to make a difference. Without formal early childhood development (ECD) training, she used her love for children to create a nurturing environment. With support from the local municipality, she secured a piece of land and, with her husband, built a humble shack that would soon become a vibrant learning space.

?

Recognising her need for professional training, Mrs. Ratema enrolled in Ntataise’s Level 4 qualification programme, excelling as one of the top practitioners in her class. She later joined Ntataise’s ECD Centres of Excellence Hub programme, which empowered her to share her knowledge with other practitioners at her centre. In 2013, after months of hard work, Bokamoso ECD Centre was officially registered with the Department of Social Development.

?

Tragically, Mrs. Ratema passed away in 2018, but her legacy lived on. Her daughter, Dorah, inspired by her mother’s passion, stepped up to continue the work. Enrolling in Ntataise’s training programmes, Dorah brought fresh energy and leadership to Bokamoso. However, the centre faced severe infrastructure challenges when water seeped underneath the structure, compromising the safety of the children and staff. Despite the deteriorating conditions, Dorah and her team persevered, constructing makeshift bridges to maintain access to classrooms, but enrolment numbers dropped as conditions worsened.

?

In 2022, a visit from the HCI Foundation —one of Ntataise’s funding partners—proved to be a turning point. Though the centre faced significant infrastructure issues, the visitors were moved by the quality of teaching and the centre’s resilience. Recognising the need for a safe and stimulating environment, the HCI Foundation, Ntataise, and the Bokamoso team worked together to find a solution. Through careful planning, the foundation committed to supporting the construction of a new building for Bokamoso.

Navigating unfamiliar territory, Dorah and Ntataise formed a governing committee and secured title deeds, managing the complex project with the help of community members who donated their time and resources. During construction, the centre temporarily relocated to a neighbour’s backyard, further demonstrating the community’s deep commitment to the project.

?

On 7th September 2024, Bokamoso ECD Centre celebrated the official opening of its new facility. More than 200 people, including local officials, parents, church leaders, Ntataise representatives, and members of the HCI Foundation, attended the ceremony. The new centre now includes five playrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, flush toilets, Jojo tanks for water recycling, and outdoor play equipment. With these new facilities, 163 children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years now have access to a safe, nurturing learning environment.

?

Bokamoso ECD Centre’s journey is a powerful testament to the strength of leadership, community collaboration, and perseverance. Today, it stands as a beacon of hope and a model for how transformative early learning can uplift an entire community. Mrs. Ratema’s vision lives on through her daughter and the children whose futures are brighter because of the love, dedication, and support they receive at Bokamoso.

?

?