Siggi van Niekerk
Siggi van Niekerk
Siggi is the liaison on this project, which is headed and partnered between TTN Network and Mondi Group. Our aim is to ensure that the toy library reaches the communities where the clinic is operating, and that reporting to all Partners runs smoothly.
Cotlands Toy Library
In 2017, TTN Network and Mondi met with Cotlands to discuss the introduction of a 'toy library' concept aimed at ECD (Early Childhood Development) in the Mkhondo district.
Cotlands is a well established NGO, widely accepted by Government Departments. The Project is unique, in that it introduces a new aspect of combining the Mobile Clinic and the Toy Library (ECD).
Libraries in the Field
TTN & Mondi currently have TWO clinics that are running with the selected Mobiles in certain areas. Mobiles 2 and 6 each tow the toy library trailer behind their clinic, and then visit their allotted sites. Small children whose parents/grandparents are receiving attention at the clinic can head to the toy library and engage in games and play while they are waiting. Many of the kids spot the clinics and head there straight away for play.
How does it work?
When the clinic stops at a Site, the trailer is unhooked and the Gazebo, tables & chairs and toys unpacked - dividing the play area into various sections where the children can play and learn. At the tables and chairs they learn to colour in and draw, they play on the mats (with dolls and dress ups), and there are also building blocks, balls and other activities that all teach them motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
We hope that this initiative will have a phenomenal impact on the lives of children who don't attend a creche, and are sitting at home/at the site with nothing to do, or learn in the way of ECD.