When Margaret Rasmussen attended Edgemead Primary’s 25th Anniversary celebrations last year, the principal, Mr Fred van Vuuren, reminded her of the role she had played in the establishment of Edgemead’s Pre-Primary School Association, of which she had been the first Chairman.  Although now 28 years ago, Margaret recalls that 14 people met in March 1977 to discuss the need for a pre-primary facility for the community and, at a public meeting held in Edgemead Garage later that year, the Association was formed.  The nearest pre-primary was in Milnerton, and Margaret was keen to have something nearer for her sons to attend.

One of the first priorities, in order to register for a subsidy from the Department of Education, was to draw up a constitution, which was done using another pre-primary school’s constitution as a guide, as well as with guidance from Garden Cities and assistance from Cyril Tessendorf and Richard Ferguson.

Next most important was fund-raising, and a fund-raising committee was formed, cake sales were held, a film premiere organised, and stalls manned at a fête in order to buy tables, chairs and equipment.

One of the first priorities, in order to register for a subsidy from the Department of Education, was to draw up a constitution, which was done using another pre-primary school’s constitution as a guide, as well as with guidance from Garden Cities and assistance from Cyril Tessendorf and Richard Ferguson. Next most important was fund-raising, and a fund-raising committee was formed, cake sales were held, a film premiere organised, and stalls manned at a fête in order to buy tables, chairs and equipment.

The waiting list of names grew apace, permission was given for use of the minor hall, the sports association assisted by planting grass for the playground and, in 1978, 60 excited little children started pre-primary classes in Edgemead.

Although a per capita subsidy was granted, the authorities at that time considered pre-primary education as non-essential and, in any event, would not pay teachers’ salary subsidies until a permanent building existed.  Fund-raising began in earnest, including novel schemes such as plate-smashing and a “Big Knit” competition.  Between Margaret’s involvement in this sphere, and husband Neville’s commitment to the newly-formed Scout Group, the Rasmussens can remember periods when they were “like ships that passed in the night” – one leaving for a meeting as the other returned from one.  There were even occasions when their meetings coincided, and they had to get in babysitters!

Two years later, Garden Cities donated a plot worth R14,000 on which to build a school, assisted with the plans, matched the funds raised on a Rand-for-Rand basis, and Edgemead Pre-Primary was officially opened in 1981, having cost in the region of R60,000.

A survey done shortly thereafter produced the astonishing result that Edgemead had more babies than any other suburb in South Africa at 2,7 per family, where the national average was 2,2.  Needless to say, a further classroom soon had to be provided, enabling the school to accommodate 89 children and, when the names on the waiting list topped 500, planning began for a second pre-primary in Denison Way, although this was opened only in 1990.

Margaret says that the benefits that the people of Edgemead now enjoy are due to hard work by many people over the years.  The establishment of that first school was very much a team effort by a fine group of residents.  Nearly 30 years after those first classes in the minor hall, many of the children now attending Edgemead Pre-Primaries may well belong to some of the very first pre-schoolers themselves.  Many proud grandparents will groan as they think back to all the hard work that was involved…and smile contentedly as they see their grandchildren reaping the rewards of those labours.