TECA
THE ENTABENI CHILDREN’S ACADEMY (TECA)
History
The Lord gave the vision to Pastor Albert and Jaya Chetty to provide an academy for children in the northern suburbs of Pietermaritzburg, which is internationally known to be riddled with the highest infection rate in KWAZULU-Natal. They were deeply concerned about children becoming innocent victims of this virus with very little support and care. Adding to this dilemma was that so many children became victims to sexual abuse in these areas.
In 2009, as an answer to much prayer, SIM’s ‘Today for Tomorrow’ programme from 15-20 September 2009, at Camp Jonathan, Mbazwane, Sodwana Bay in Northern Natal, provided Jaya Chetty, together with several others, a week of training and empowering “HIV and AIDS Capacity Building and Children’s Worker Course.” The information gained was ideally suited to start a children’s academy. The Entabeni Community Church decided that the academy should replace the former ‘Sunday School’ programme.
In 07-08 January 2010, Jaya Chetty implemented the ‘Today for Tomorrow’ programme by hosting a Staff Training Workshop. Voluntary staffs were delegated responsibilities. This was highly successful and TECA took off on Saturday 23 January 2010, with 17 children from the area surrounding ECC. The staffs were dedicated and the number grew to exceed 65 children of all ages.
The Church in Action
Today, TECA provides activities from ‘Today for Tomorrow’ 1st Year Curriculum for over 60 children from the poorest and informal settlements. In every session, refreshments are provided. Resources are very limited but trust in the Lord goes on endlessly. Children are also taught about the Environment, HIV and AIDS, Health and Hygiene. They learn about Moral Values, about how to take care of Animals, and about Safety. Life Skills programmes for children are taught and DVD’s are used as visual aids.
Playing games in Jun 2011
The Staff
Director Mrs. Jaya Chetty
Principal Mrs. Nelli Radebe
Educators Ms. Zandile and Ms. Mkhize; Mr. Logan and Mrs. Ragani Padayachee; Ms. Lilly Naidoo; Mr. Bongani Radebe
Helpers Ms. Elizabeth Naicker; Pastor Albert Chetty; Mrs. Rita Grant
Spiritual Overseer Pastor Adiel Chetty
