Fire devastates Hanover Park creche

THE principal of a Hanover Park creche is devastated after her school, Steers Educare, was gutted by fire.   

Administrator Matthew Martin says he and his mom, principal Avril Martin, were woken by neighbours in the early hours of Monday morning.

Matthew explained: “We rushed around to the premises to see how it was as we don’t live at the educare, but we do live nearby. 

"Our neighbours did put out quite a large portion of the fire. We then waited for the police and the fire department to come for us to enter the premises. 

"When they arrived, they informed us that the fire broke out at the back classroom.

“The kids are aware of the fire, but we did not show them the damage as it is in their classroom and it is a traumatising issue.”

He added that the parents have been informed of the fire and that a case of arson has been opened, however they do not know the exact cause of the blaze.

While some items were saved, the fire destroyed the roof, walls, windows and floors.

This year, the community crèche marked 30 years of service with four staff members attending to 22 learners between the ages of two and five.

For Avril, the hurt cut too deep to speak to us. 

She first started out as a volunteer and cleaner at the same educare, before enrolling in an Early Childhood Development learnership. 

She went on to top her class of more than 300 students, and in 2020 took over as principal after finishing her studies. 

Since then, she’s expanded the crèche and given more kids a stronger foundation. But now the fire has undone years of hard work. 

Even so, Avril’s main concern is keeping the children safe and keeping their schooling on track.

Matthew added: “We have an anonymous donor who is willing to assist us. We are not sure to what extent. 

“The kids are still doing their work as per usual, their assessments, but are just doing it from our home but are maintaining with the programme.”

The City's Fire and Rescue department have not yet confirmed the incident, despite a request.

Anyone who can help with building materials can contact Avril on 083 530 9229.