Monday morning is often hard for people. But this is not the case for the children of SOS Bambous. In fact the expressions on their faces show how joyful they are to be within the pre-primary school?s premises despite it being a Monday morning.

Three years have passed since the opening of the pre-primary school. And according to its principal, Myana Palmyre, the improvement is continuous. She explains : ?I spent ten years as principal of the SOS village in Beau-Bassin. When I was asked to come here, it was a challenge for me. The difference is that the children of Beau Bassin are obviously more well-off than the ones who are here. However, when I look at the ones who are here, their response to teaching is more or less the same. As a matter of fact, I could even say that if they got the right support their performance would be equal. ?

Learning while at play

Eighty students from all ethnic communities, five teaching staff - such are the characteristics of the pre-primary school of SOS Children?s village in Bambous. The children are divided into 3 sections, depending on their age. The age range is from 3 to 5 years.

Regarding the infrastructural standard of the school itself, it is simply the kind of environment in which any kid would like to be. Equipped with furniture from South Africa,with clean, neat classrooms, a small library and 2000 m2 of space, the children have the necessary assets to enjoy the feeling of a real kindergarten.

?This year, our emphasis will be on creativity. Indeed, we have set up a pedagogical program in order to help the child to develop in a more relaxed atmosphere in order to awaken an interest in learning. » In these words Myana Palmyre, explains clearly the ambitions she has for the school. She continues : ?Our motto is learning while at play ! Therefore we need to build the reputation of the school upon this !?

Indeed mathematics, art, sensory exercises and other things will be included in the program of those children. In this context, the children will be invited very soon to make some hand-crafted object from recycled materials. This will lead to an exhibition in the coming months, in which the talents of the children will be exhibited.

For Myana Palmyre, things are going according to plan. She says : ?So far, this school is going in the right direction. I am very happy with the way things are moving and the way the children are responding. We are now looking to implement a nursery in some time. But the staff for a nursery has to be specially trained. We will have to wait and see??