Being a teacher born and raised in Manenberg with an interest in developing young minds by using sport, social media and education Shukr Hartzenberg established the Early Childhood Development Centre in Manenberg called Growth Zone Learning Centre.
“As a (teacher) at Two Oceans Leadership College in Grassy Park who has worked in different types of schools, public and private, I gained valuable insights on the importance of development at different stages of a child’s life. Although the primary focus is to develop children between the ages of 12 months and five years holistically during the day, we have set up systems that will offer a feeding scheme, internship opportunities to the unemployed and once-a-month enrichment lessons to the community of Manenberg,” he says.
The early childhood development sector forms an imperative part of the development of children.
Hartzenberg is using the sector as an entry point into the community so that he and his wife Reyaana can track the development of those children as they move through the education system.
“Doing this alone will be impossible as I am currently teaching full-time at a high school. I rely on my wife, who managed to complete her Early Childhood Development training at the College of Cape Town, to oversee the day-to-day running with the other teachers and volunteers. We will be supporting the volunteers to further their studies in the ECD sector through the internship programme at the College of Cape Town. We believe in creating a developmental path of growth, not only for the children in our care but for those who are willing to add value to society and serve the community.
“This particular project materialised this year but I have been doing various community projects through rugby clubs, schools or other organisations. I truly developed a drive to make a difference when I was a high school student assisting my mom Gawa when she sold fruit and vegetables in the community. This is where I observed the struggle people faced when they would come to buy products with less money. She would assist willingly as she could not turn people away. I owe a lot to her for placing me in this position as it gave me perspective to serve. My father Faizel was a role model and family man and hard working. He ensured that we had a good experience in our sport and education,” Hartzenberg says.
None of the programmes are subsidised, so they need to charge parents a minimal amount to enroll and to ensure payment of staff, volunteers, rental and food supplies.
Hartzenberg is keen to provide an opportunity to businesses who are willing to get on board to sponsor art supplies, stationery, educational toys, food items or a mini jungle gym.
“Sometimes parents find it difficult to make payments so we would need the support to ensure the programmes continue. We believe by collaborating with businesses we would be able to make a difference together,” he says.
Sports have played a huge role in his development, especially rugby.
“If you hear about the Hartzenbergs within the rugby fraternity then you are most likely speaking about one or both of my younger brothers representing the family and the community. As an older brother, I am exceptionally proud of Suleiman Hartzenberg, who is currently playing for the Stormers, and Munier Hartzenberg who plays for the Cheetahs,” he says. “Being able to assist and be part of transforming the experiences of those living in our community is such a privilege”.
“Hamediehs RFC in Athlone is hosting the 4th Community 10s club rugby tournament and I am part of the planning committee and MC on Saturday 25 February and Sunday 26 February. The two-day event will be nothing short of a spectacular display of local rugby talent,” he says.
Although using sports has always been one of his tools to make a positive impact, he discovered that presence on social media platforms such as TikTok can connect a person to more people in a very short space of time. “As a result, I decided to take my life skills lessons online in the form of a campaign called ‘Positivity anywhere anytime by Mr_H’. The idea behind this is to dance in various local areas to promote positivity and spark conversation about the importance to embrace where you come from. I hope through this campaign people would be able to ponder on my messages and gain motivation to become a better version of themselves by offering their expertise to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
“Rugby is going to take the centre stage at Community 10s rugby but I want you to come to join the vibe by doing a TikTok challenge. For more motivational videos and feel-good moments, take a glimpse on TikTok with the handle @mrhartzenberg
If you are willing to assist in any of our projects, contact Shukr Hartzenberg at 065 338 7525 or email info@growthzoneeducare.org
