“Hello, my name is Aviwe and I come from Mfuleni and attend the Afrika Tikkun Lewis Group ECD Centre. I am riding in the kiddies Argus in order to raise funds to send 10 kids to my school.”

On 9 March 2013, six-year-old Aviwe Sizane will take part in the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Junior Cycle Tour in an effort to raise R21 600 to help 10 kids go to an Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre.

Every year, over 200-million children worldwide fail to reach their full cognitive and social potential because their parents simply cannot afford to send them to ECDs.

Aviwe will be representing Flow PR client Afrika Tikkun, who has opened a number of ECDs around the country that aim to develop children aged zero to six years old. These development centres teach children basic numeracy and literacy, and social development through creative activities.

Afrika Tikkun launched the brand new ‘Cycle Stars’ campaign to encourage riders to raise funds on their behalf while participating in both the Cycle and Junior tours.

“So far, the campaign is proving very successful in attracting new riders and donors,” says Catherine Taylor, Marketing Manager of Afrika Tikkun Cape Town.

“The ‘Star’ theme was developed because of the young stars we develop through our social service centres, and of course the cycle stars in our Cycle Tour team who are raising funds to send children to pre-school.”

Last year, nine-year-old Thabisa Dube, also an Afrika Tikkun ambassador, raised R48 250 – enough to send 22 children to an ECD centre.

Afrika Tikkun CEO Mark Lubner said at the opening of the Zolile Malindi Community Centre in the Western Cape informal settlement Mfuleni last year: “Before this centre opened, on weekdays, the streets of Mfuleni were filled with small children with no access to the critical educational opportunities offered by early childhood development facilities. Furthermore, the need to take care of children at home has prevented parents from being able to find employment. This centre will provide children with a safe and nurturing environment while preparing them for successful schooling.”

Click here to donate and help Aviwe reach his goal and send 10 kids to school.

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