About Idayimani Montessori Academy
Please join the Edelstein family with the building of the first Montessori Academy in Langa Township, Cape Town to be named in Mannie Edelstein's honor!
The family is partnering with the charity Love to Langa by matching donations to fund the building of a new Montessori school and teacher training center, as well as to establish a scholarship endowment.
Mannie was a nationally renowned motivational speaker and training consultant from South Africa, who impacted so many people with his power of positive thinking.
Idayimani, the name of our Academy, is the Xhosa word for diamond. This name was chosen as a fitting tribute to Mannie whose last name translates to precious stone (in German), and who was indeed a gem in his community. His first name can also be found in the word Idayimani itself!
"We cannot think of a better way to keep his legacy alive than with a new educational facility in an underserved community that will help young children obtain a great educational grounding in a positive atmosphere. We look forward to watching this new facility inspire children and teachers and change lives just like Mannie did throughout his life. " - The Edelstein Family
Click here to learn more about Mannie.
Love to Langa's Montessori Academy
Twenty-seven years into democracy, many children of South Africa still do not have access to high-quality early childhood care and development programmes. The Montessori Academy will change this for the children, parents and teachers of the Langa community.
Key features of the innovative school will be:
- A pre-school and aftercare that will cater to 200 children with six Montessori directresses, four assistants, a principal and a school manager.
- A Montessori Training Programme for community women that will emphasize entrepreneurship, small business and empowering early childhood teachers to open and operate their own sustainable centres.
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Mandatory Parental Participation and Support
- Vegetable Garden
- Community Partnerships
