Short summary of the history of Lynette’s crèche and preschooltrust

* In 1970 Lynette started running a day care centre at her home; 32 children soon attended.

* In 1975 this became an independent unit.

* In 1989 73 children attended Lynette’s day care centre and kindergarten.

* During the 1991/1992 drought, the number of children attending dropped to 33, because parents were not able to pay the minimum amount of tuition required any more or bring their children to school.

* The growing number of single parents and orphans was becoming more and more noticeable [AIDS] and in 1993 Lynette opened her door to these underprivileged children – this despite the financial problems the crèche was having at that moment.

* In 1994 a trust was founded in Nootdorp, the Netherlands, from which the crèche started receiving financial aid.

* On 20 December 1995 a local trust for the crèche was founded in Mutare. Dutch members of the Board are among those represented.

* A drastic decision had to be made in 1996: meet the wishes of the city of Mutare and reduce the number of children allowed at the crèche, or invest in the crèche so that the number of children attending can remain the same and in future even grow.

* In 1997 the crèche is renovated and expanded: more sleep and rest areas, larger classrooms, a larger covered play area, removal of asbestos, more restrooms. Downside of this larger building is a smaller outside playground.

* In 1998/1999 actions were taken to buy the undeveloped land next to the crèche.

* Mid 1999 we managed to get a temporary lease until the end of February 2000. The price had to be paid in February 2000, though.

* The price was transferred in March 2000 and Lynette’s crèche is the proud owner of 1100+1100 = 2200 m2 of land.

* In 2000 120 children attend the preschool and crèche.

* The homework class for primary school children which was started in 1999 is a big success. This class, for which must be paid, is attended by about 25 children in 2000. The homework class is held in the afternoons and led by the teaching staff. The children attending the crèche are looked after and cared for by the teaching-assistants. In 2001 30 children attend the homework class and 120 children attend the preschool and crèche.

* To be able to accommodate the growing number of children attending the crèche, more classrooms, a covered play area, a larger sleep area and restrooms have to be built on the new piece of land. Fund-raising activities were held in 2001 and 2002 to accomplish this.

* 2002 sees the realization of the project “Ivy’s Home”.

* In the years 2002 up to today, the Tuin in Beeld in Tuin (a sculpture exhibition held in [private] gardens) were a large succes.

* More Tuin in Beeld in Tuin in the years to come!

* Several members of Lynette’s teaching staff are reaching retirement. additional reserves shall be necessary to give the employees a reasonable pension. Donations have been received.