The school says that before the floods, the facility was already derelict and dilapidated due to a shortage of funds to undertake regular maintenance.

School Principal Buyisiwe Ngongoma says that the roof was caving in, the cupboards in the kitchen were mouldering and the only personal computer and printer were malfunctioning.

Ngongoma adds that the security doors were rickety and the playground was rundown. Additionally, the general appearance of the facility was falling apart. The floods worsened the condition of the facility and rendered it inhospitable.

Through the Thuthukisa programme, which is an isiZulu word that translates to 'building together', Justine has raised over R3-million to help develop, support and build up impoverished communities.

"This donation will be a lifesaver for the creche and for the children who depend on this facility for learning and for interaction," says Ngongoma. "The floods have worsened an already desperate situation that was created by theft and vandalism. The student population has grown remarkably over the past few months and the damage resulting from the rains has been very distressing and demoralising to the children."

"The donation has come at an opportune time and it will go a long way towards renovating the creche and making it as child-friendly as possible," adds Ngongoma.

In addition to repairing structural damage to the creche, Ngongoma says that the money will also help to purchase extra mattresses and blankets for the facility to make up for the additional enrolment of more children and will also help to spruce up the playground.

"Early childhood development is cited as a crucial stage in children's development. Children should be afforded a conducive environment where they can learn and play during this important formative stage," says Mafahle Mareletse, managing director at Avon Justine Turkey, Middle East and Africa. 

"Our ongoing support for this facility stems from our appreciation of the importance of early childhood development. Harnessing our footprint and the power of our brand to make a positive difference to the community of Embo and the children of this area who depend on this facility," adds Mareletse.

"For monitoring reasons, this donation is just a small gesture to be paid in two tranches to a total of R300 000. This will help the creche to get back on its feet and continue to serve the noble mandate of being a haven for children of this community," concludes Mareletse.
 
Avon Justine has a long-standing partnership with the creche and has supported it with funding over the years.

For more information, visit www.avonjustinesa.co.za.