Community

Little Treasures Christmas Market Success

Published

9 years ago

23 November 2016

Durbanite

On the 17^th November 2016, children and staff at Little Treasures (a Durban based preschool) received an early Christmas gift from Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre. “We were so humbled by an incredibly generous donation that was made to the school by Ethekwini Hospital towards our mobile library. The R10 000 they donated along with the money raised at our first ever Christmas market will go a long way towards being able to build the library and purchase the educational books we have identified for the school,” enthused School Principal, Kerry Janke.

Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre Hospital General Manager Niresh Bechan said, “It is absolutely humbling to be able to give back to our community. Especially, to touch the lives of little ones makes it even more powerful. Through investing in our children’s education and knowing that the library is being taken care of and the children are benefitting makes this investment invaluable.”

The recent Christmas market held at the Little Treasures school in aid of fundraising for a mobile library and other needed equipment for the community based preschool was a resounding success. Not only did the first-ever market raise over R28 000 from the well-attended one day event for the school, but it also successfully promoted small local businesses who claimed it was the most enjoyable and profitable market they had participated in this year, and turned over R400 000 sales on the day.

“We were thrilled to hear how well the vendors did who participated in our Little Treasures Christmas Market. We also received wonderful feedback from people who attended the market about the gorgeous quality and variety of goods and services on offer from the 60 vendors that participated. It just goes to show how rich the talent and creativity is in Durban and we are always proud to support local business. It was also a wonderful experience to see the community turnout, and the atmosphere on the day was one of togetherness and family,” stated Janke.

Janke added that the market wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the church and school staff and a small group of very dedicated and organized moms at the school who put so much time and effort into planning and putting the entire event together. Little Treasures is part of Gateway Church and is a non-profit entity, with all major corporate sponsorship going through the NPO – Meeting the Needs Foundation.

The school caters for children between the ages of 18 months and 4 years old from the surrounding Mount Edgecombe, Umhlanga and Phoenix community. It is the only one of its kind in the area, and offers top educational standards through its small classes, highly qualified teachers and innovative child centered learning approach. According to Janke, their aim is to offer the children who attend the school a stimulating, loving, fun environment to learn and grow in. “Being a non-profit and providing realistically affordable pricing for top quality education means we need to look for corporate sponsorship and parent fundraising support to achieve our goals – this market was one of the highlights of the year, and I would like to thank the community, vendors, staff, and the incredible team of moms who helped to make the day such a resounding success,” concluded Janke.

Author: Durbanite

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Business

Award-Winning Tutoring and Extra Lessons with Qualified Teachers

Published

2 months ago

12 January 2026

mrjoelmagic

Quality Tutoring and Extra Lessons That Build Confidence and Results

Every child learns in their own way. Some enjoy the classroom setting, while others benefit from extra time and focused support to strengthen their understanding. Many families also choose extra lessons simply to give their children more confidence and a stronger foundation. That is where Kip McGrath Westville makes a difference. Recognised at the Best of Durban Awards, the centre is trusted across KZN for helping learners grow in both skill and self-belief.

Qualified Teachers, Local Understanding

One of the things that makes Kip McGrath Westville stand out is its team of qualified teachers from schools in and around the community. These are professionals who understand both the curriculum and the challenges learners face, and who bring classroom experience into a focused tutoring environment.

Sessions are available across a wide range of subjects, including English, Maths, Maths Literacy, Afrikaans, Science, Accounting, Physics, Study Skills and, School Readiness, supporting learners from Grade R through to Grade 12.

This variety means support is available for early foundational learning, exam preparation and everything in between.

Building Strong Foundations

The journey begins with a free, no-obligation assessment. This looks at a child’s current year and the two years prior. English is the language of instruction for most subjects, so having a solid grasp of it helps learners better understand everything from Maths problems to Science concepts.

By identifying areas that need strengthening, tutors can design a programme that gives each learner the support they need to feel more confident and prepared.

What to Expect from a Kip Session

Each learner follows a personalised programme that matches their needs and goals. Extra lessons are structured to be focused, engaging and supportive:

~ A session concentrating on one subject at a time.
~ A maximum of four students per session.
~ A combination of computer activities and written work to keep learning interesting.
~ Guidance from qualified teachers who provide encouragement and structure.
~ Clear goals that help learners see their progress and celebrate achievements.

More Than Just Better Marks

Kip McGrath is not only about improving results. It is about helping children feel more confident in their learning, giving them the tools to manage challenges and the reassurance that they can succeed. Parents often see a positive shift in how their children approach school, noticing greater independence and a more relaxed attitude to their studies.

Working Together with Families

The best results happen when families and tutors work together. At Kip McGrath:

~ Learners receive weekly homework to practise what they have studied.
~ Parents are kept up to date with regular feedback on progress.
~ Kip McGrath facilitates an open line of communication between its tutors, parents, the school, and the child’s teachers for full transparency on extra lessons.

This teamwork ensures that each learner feels encouraged and supported throughout their academic journey.

Lasting Results

The programmes at Kip McGrath are progressive and measurable. Children start at their level and build step by step toward their goals. With consistency and encouragement, learners gain confidence, improve their understanding, and feel more at ease with their schoolwork.

Why Families Choose Kip

With 50 years of international experience, and branches all over South Africa, and other areas of the world including the UK and Australia, Kip McGrath has supported generations of learners. Families choose Kip McGrath Westville for its caring approach and proven results. Recognition at the Best of Durban Awards is a reflection of the impact they continue to make in the community.

Book a Free Assessment

Whether your child could use some extra support or simply wants to strengthen their foundation, Kip McGrath Westville is here to help. Start with a free, no-obligation assessment and see the difference a little extra guidance & a few extra lessons can make.

At Kip McGrath, it is not just about lessons. It is about building confidence, supporting growth, and giving every child the chance to feel secure in their learning.

Contact Kip McGrath Today!

Call: 031 267 2734

Email: accounts@kipwestville.co.za

Web: www.kipmcgrath.co.za/westville

Instagram: @kipwestville

Facebook: @KipWestville

Author: mrjoelmagic

Business

Barkies: Homemade Pet Treats

Published

3 months ago

9 December 2025

Shelley

Freshness You Can Trust, Impact You Can See! 🐾
Looking for treats that are genuinely good for your furry (or hoofed!) family members?

Welcome to Barkies—where every treat is baked with love, fresh ingredients, and a commitment to animal welfare.

We believe in complete transparency. Our treats are always homemmade with fresh, natural ingredients, and we are proud to tell you exactly what goes into every single bite.

✨ Year-End Combo Special: Spoil Your Pup! ✨
To celebrate the year, we’re making it easy to spoil your dog with the best of Barkies:

Item Details
12 Pupcakes Choose your dog’s favourite flavour!
500g Fresh Dog Treats Choose your flavour!
Combo Price R220

This is the perfect package for holiday gatherings, puppy parties, or just showing extra love!

🌍 Treats with a Heart
We’re not just about delicious treats; we’re about giving back. Barkies donates 20% of every single sale to incredible animal charities right here in Durban. When you buy from us, you’re directly helping local animals in need.

🥕 Simple, Delicious & Safe
Our treats are simple but delicious and contain no nasty preservatives. Please store all Barkies products in the fridge or freezer to keep them fresh.

We make treats for dogs, cats, and horses!