Staff and former pupils and parents of the Little Doves Educare met at the Rocklands civic centre on Saturday July 6 for a Great Gatsby-themed celebration of its 21st anniversary.

Close to 1500 pupils have passed through the educare's doors since it opened in April 2003, according to its founder, Marcia Fortuin.

“There was a great need for a safe haven for children in and around Rocklands. I have always had a great passion and compassion for children. With each new year, we grew in numbers and started gaining a reputation in our community for preparing our children for pre-primary school.

“We started the educare inside our home and gradually extended from one room to another. The dedication and commitment of each one of my family members, from my husband to my children, enabled us to create a welcoming and loving feel-at-home atmosphere for the children in our care,” she said.

Educares such as Little Doves played a crucial role in early childhood learning, she said.

“Early childhood education is very important as this affects the development of the brain's architecture, which provides the foundation for all future learning, behaviour and health.”

Cleo Bernardo, 23, who is now a doctor’s personal assistant at the Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital, was among the first children to attend Little Doves, and Ms Fortuin and her husband, Tony, had felt like "another set of parents", she said.

“I felt safe and comforted all the time," she said, adding that she planned to enrol her one-year old daughter at Little Doves next year.

Another former pupil, Zoë Hendricks, is now a second-year journalism student at Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

“I love reading and writing, which was really nurtured at Little Doves. I especially remember the concerts we had because it was my chance to shine. I learnt so much from them," she said.

Mrs Fortuin thanked her former and present staff, saying, “Each one contributed something different, unique and special.”

Little Doves Educare in Rocklands opened in April 2003.

Little Doves Educare teacher Colleen Fransman has been with Little Doves since it opened.

Frieda and Clinton Bernado, of Strandfontein, with their daughter, Cleo, who was among the first pupils to attend Little Doves.

From left, Charnele and Imelda Case and Paul and Cheronia Fortuin attended the 21st anniversary celebration. Cheronia was one of the first children at Little Doves in 2003.

Back, from left, are Rocklands residents Debbie Klaase, Aritha Adams, Shanaaz Benjamin, Bronuta May and Samantha Klaase. Front: Bradley Doman.

From left, Shireen Johnston, David Piet and Shakiera Johnston showed their support for Little Doves Educare.

From left, Alison and Ronald Groenemeyer and Elvitia Liedemann of Searidge Park.

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