Over the long relationship between ALET and the community of Vukuzenzele, we have seen how young children begin to thrive and develop their potential when they have access to caring and nurturing environments, that can serve as little pockets of safety amongst the challenges of daily life they may experience. The environment of an early childhood setting is often considered as a third teacher. The consideration and design of the environment is crucial in providing endless and constructive opportunities for children to explore safely. A child is then able to develop the neural pathways to learn how their need to feel secure and loved, while being inspired and empowered to learn, can be met. When a learning environment is set up as being interactive, inviting play, and encouraging interaction, it helps the teacher in their critical role of observing the children, and through this being able to understand them better on both an individual and group basis. When a teacher observes the children in her care, she is able to know them much more intimately in order to really guide them in the areas where they need further guidance and input.  

When the teacher knows and understands the different learning experiences he/she needs to provide for her group of children it becomes a relational dialogue between architecture, pedagogy, peers and the adults that are there to guide this learning. The relationships are critical and can only be enacted when the learning environment meets the needs of the children in such a way that the teacher is able to be present and observe whilst guiding the children through their struggles. This relational dialogue is essential for fostering a sense of community and promoting social-emotional growth.

Our work, with each aspect of the ecosystem works with this foundational philosophy. The vision for the family centre is envisioned as a welcoming place where children and their families can laugh, play, sing, work, learn, and grow together. It is a place where children are the seeds at the centre of the ecosystem, and their growth and thriving is nurtured by a strong community. We are working closely with the community of Vukuzenzele to nurture this vision into reality.