Adopt a South African Preschool
Their Future Starts With You!
Our Mission
Adopt a South African Preschool funds training and resources to make early childhood education accessible to disadvantaged children who would otherwise miss the lifelong benefits of a quality preschool experience.
ASAP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Pennsylvania.
Our reach has expanded since the video was posted in November 2022. As of April 2024 we have established 7 Educational Toy Library Training Centers. 991 women are involved in preschool education training at 181 former daycares. Best of all, 8,758 children are learning through play, setting them up for success in school!
“What we have before us are some breathtaking opportunities disguised as insoluble problems.”
John W Gardner, American novelist and professor
Announcements
An April 2024 Message from ASAP’s Founder, Nancy Schongalla
Ten participants will experience this complex, fascinating, struggling, beautiful country with its diverse and welcoming people. We will see ASAP and PEN (our nonprofit partner “Participate Envision Nagivate”) in action as we visit 3 of our 8 Educational Toy Library Training Centers and some of the preschools they resource. We will visit museums, enjoy a game preserve, see Nelson Mandela's tiny prison cell on Robben Island, visit the Desmond Tutu Legacy Exhibit, and view Cape Town from atop Table Mountain.
It is always a pleasure to be with ASAP co-coordinator Marlese Nel in Pretoria (in the north). Malan Nel has done extraordinary legwork to arrange this tour. We will meet two faculty members from the U. of Pretoria, whose team are researching our unique, scalable model for making a quality preschool experience available to vulnerable children.
We will spend time with our Cape Town guide, Nico de Klerk and meet some of the “Be a Nelsons” who exemplify the values of Nelson Mandela. “Nelsons” are informal leaders and social entrepreneurs who live in the impoverished communities. We will no doubt contribute to the South African economy at craft markets! Watch for a Thankful Thursday email in May after we return from this fabulous tour.
Successful 70th Birthday Car Campaign!!!
While this may be “old news” the gratitude is ever fresh! Pen staff continually express their deepest thanks to all who drove this “fundraising vehicle” to the finish line! PEN was able to purchase the exact new vehicle they wanted, with just the $12,000 ASAP raised through this campaign! “Meet” Maria, who directs PEN’s preschool coaches, as she describes the dealership miracle in this 1:22 minute voice message. This vehicle has made an extraordinary difference for safe travel to and from the 6 Educational Toy Libraries and preschools in the greater Pretoria area. I is also enabling the expansion into 2 new provinces, each 4 hours from PEN’s head office.
Maria’s staff erupt with joy hearing of the car and a GEP company gift of 20 laptops! (2 min.)
Thankful Thursdays - 70th Birthday CAR Campaign!!!
By way of background, the link above was was sent to ASAP supporters in April 2023. I had celebrated a most memorable 69th birthday in May 2022 while visiting our Educational Toy Libraries and preschools. Marlese Nel, ASAP’s South Africa coordinator and I are exactly one day apart in age. What a birthday celebration we were given! Read and See More
Thankful Thursday emails periodically “show and tell.” Archives are on the Newsletter tab.
Your Dollar…
1. Enables children in informal, under-resourced childcare settings, to gain the critical foundation for school success.
2. Funds Educational Toy Library Training centers where 30 daycare owners are mentored and build skills as early childhood teachers and business women.
3. Helps daycares become safe and ever enriched preschool settings where children learn through play.
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Our Approach
Our mission is to fund preschool resources and establish Educational Toy Library Training Hubs where women create weekly lesson plans, borrow toys, games, puzzles etc., support each other, and stimulate the development of children in their care .
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