Adopt a Centre for Excellence

Gummy Bears

Smutsville, Sedgefield
Children 18
Open Since 2025
Staff 1 principal, 3 teachers
Registration bronze
Principal Mercia van Rooyen
KET Nutrition Scheme Yes

Meet Mercia van Rooyen

Principal, Gummy Bears

“My dream is to give children the care and early support that I never had.”

When I was younger, I didn't have access to an ECD centre, and my dream is to give children the care and early support that I never had.

I'm not just the principal in title — I'm present in the classrooms, I know each child by name, I check in with parents, and I support my teachers. For many families, I try to be a trusted guide and a steady source of encouragement.

I've built Gummy Bears step by step, often making difficult decisions to keep our doors open. The challenges are real — rising costs, infrastructure needs, inconsistent fee payments — but my commitment to giving children a strong foundation for school has never changed.

Progress updates


Term 1 · 2026
Joined the Adopt a Centre for Excellence (ACE) programme.
Adoption Status

Partially adopted

How ACE funds will help

  • Financial stability and staff salaries
  • Additional learning materials
  • Expanding and improving classroom space
  • Further staff training
  • Administration and budgeting support