Cotlands marked its 87th year of service in August. As part of an annual tradition, we hosted our Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September to gather stakeholders, reflect on our achievements, and release the highly anticipated 2023 Integrated Annual Report.
This year’s AGM took on a virtual format. The event also included an engaging quiz session that brought together all stakeholders, reinforcing the sense of community and shared purpose to improve the lives of children by increasing access to play-based early learning opportunities.
Key highlights of Cotlands’ impact for the financial year include:
- 33,248 children reached: Cotlands’ unwavering commitment to early childhood development reached over 33,000 children, providing them with essential play-based learning opportunities that lay the foundation for a brighter future.
- 79 early learning playgroups: The safe and nurturing environments have become the starting point for countless lifelong friendships and the beginning of exciting learning adventures.
- 167,340 meals served at early learning playgroups: Cotlands ensures children’s nutritional needs are met, preventing children from stunting.
- 12 Cotlands owned and operated toy libraries: The invaluable services to under-resourced ECD centres expanded access to educational toys and learning resources for many children across communities.
- 37,537 toys lent from our toy libraries: Cotlands’ toy libraries continued to inspire joy and ignite young imaginations, fostering creativity and growth.
- 42 learners enrolled on CotlandsIgnite™: CotlandsIgnite™ empowered the next generation of ECD entrepreneurs by providing them with knowledge and skills, offering a vocational pathway.
In this year’s integrated report, Ms. Niven Postma, Cotlands’ outgoing Chairperson, commended the exceptional adaptability of Dr Monica Stach, the CEO, in the face of adversity. She emphasised the organisation’s continuous evolution and reinvention to navigate challenges effectively. Ms. Postma expressed immense pride in the growth of Cotlands’ projects and toy library performances, highlighting our programmes’ profound impact on the children we serve. She also acknowledged the ongoing need for additional, sustainable income and enhanced advocacy efforts, a challenge many non-profit organisations face.
Cotlands remains dedicated to good governance, sound accounting principles, and ethical conduct. Our current board members comprise accomplished individuals who are committed to the organisation’s mission:
- Marcelle Arnold (Chairperson)
- Motseki Majake (Treasurer)
- Maxine Merrifield (Vice-Chairperson)
- Niven Postma
- Tatiana Page
- Theodore de Jager
- Yule Banda
A warm welcome to the new board members:
- Bianca McGrath
- Hellen Lebone
- Nicole Pillay
- Nwabisa Bixa
To access the Cotlands 2023 Integrated Report online.
To make a meaningful contribution to Cotlands’ mission, please consider donating.
Cotlands shines as a beacon of hope for vulnerable children, guided by our commitment to their well-being and optimal development.
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