uMama Nami which means mother and me in Zulu, is an early childhood development road show that has been successful in educating pre-schoolers from township schools and rural schools in the country. The entertaining and educational road show, which has been successful in Kwa Zulu Natal and various parts of Gauteng, educates and entertains children in English, Zulu and Sotho. uMama Nami’s primary objective is to create bonding experiences with pre-school children and their moms while at the same time educating these young children on important life lessons.
Launched in 2010, the uMama Nami programme’s main objective is to create bonding opportunities for 3 to 6 year-olds and their mothers. From October 2012 to March 2013, the uMama Nami team has had 407 school road shows in Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu Natal. Every school that was visited was captivated by an educational theatre show which connects young families in urban and peri-urban areas. The school children were left with educative material kits, which consist of interactive activities for learners which they can do with their teachers, including an A2 classroom posters, recognition stickers for the children as well as a 56 page workbook for each child to take home.
The workbook is divided into stories for moms to read to the children at home, interactive exercises as well as Tips for Moms from Albany. Albany understands that the capacity to learn is a gift, the ability to learn is a skill and lastly the willingness to learn is a choice, with that said Albany values the importance of education and as a result they have partnered with uMama Nami to make a difference in the lives of children and their mothers.
Mr Sidwaba, the Principle of Katlehong Primary School comments: “What an amazing educational show it was! More than anything I Love the fact that it teaches our children in their own vernacular languages and that makes it so much better and easier for the kids to understand.”
“We are very proud to be part of this wonderful initiative bringing together mother, child and teacher to make a difference in the lives of the school children and their families. Albany is honoured to have the opportunity to play a role in helping these communities build a better future and offering much needed support,” says Alanta Moodley, Albany Brand Manager.
