The Thini Community Early Learning Center, a preschool for children ages 2.5 – 6, is a one of kind school in Thini. Managed by the Thini Village Development Committee (VDC), it has grown beyond its initial capacity. It currenty has 40 children enrolled in a one-room schoolhouse which is only licensed for 30. Somedays, the Center has up to 50 children who are dropped off by their parents. The Center keeps its doors open but needs to address a number of Botswana Ministry of Education infrastructure requirements: The school lacks separate age-appropriate classrooms, has an inadequate number of toilets, houses an undersized and cramped kitchen, lacks office space for staff, and unfortunately offers broken playground equipment. Despite all the challenges, there is a waiting list of anywhere between 35-40 families (that keeps growing).
HELPING THE THINI COMMUNITY BY EXPANDING THE CENTER
Given the high demand and limited space in the facility, the Thini VDC has a vision to add a second building with additional classrooms and improved facilities which will meet all the Ministry of Education requirements and accommodate up to 100 children. In addition to enabling more children to attend the Center, the expansion will enable more parents to seek employment.
The Tutume Council Architect has completed a development plan that will include additional classrooms, improved bathroom and kitchen facilities, an indoor play area and much needed office space. The expansion is estimated to cost between $110,000 – $120,000 USD.
The Thini VDC has created two exciting partnerships for this initiative. See Partners
For a personal note from Perry Borman, please see Peace Corps
Architectural Development Plan
