Cape Town - Behind every successful musical sensation stands an equally, if not more, successful mother. This rings especially true in the case of The Voice winner Craig Lucas’s mom and undoubtedly his biggest supporter, Jenny Lucas.
The proud Elsies River woman behind the country’s latest musical talent, has a string of successes of her own.
The walls of her Matroosfontein home are filled with certificates, including for her efforts in early childhood development, first aid and fire and safety.
She has been running a successful pre-school from her home for the past 21 years and is soon hoping to open her doors to children with special needs. This will include children with physical and mental challenges.
Not only has the single mom raised two successful sons, Warren, 32, and Craig, 24, but is also on the brink of graduating with a level-5 diploma in inclusive training from Northlink college in Goodwood.
Jenny Lucas started out as a personal assistant at a lingerie and swimwear company in Elsies River.
Jenny Lucas has a thriving creche called PJ's Edu-Care in Matroosfontein. Picture: Tracey Adams
She said she had to “reinvent” herself when the business closed its doors.
She now employs five qualified teachers who in turn shape and mould the young minds of 65 children. In terms of the requirements from the Department of Social Development, all teachers at her pre-school, PJ’s Educare, must have at least a level- 1 qualification. All have level-4.
Now Lucas aims to open her centre of learning to children with special needs. “There is a growing demand in our community and I already have a waiting list for children.”
Children play at Jenny Lucas’s pre-school in Matroosfontein, which she plans to expand. Picture: Tracey Adams
Lucas said she had always dreamt of becoming a teacher but did not have the financial resources to pursue formal studies at university. “I was one of 12 children, so you can imagine that going to university was not an option back then”, she said.
But education has always been important to her and, even as a single mom, she pushed her two sons to become the best they could be. Warren got an international qualification in welding and singer Craig has an honours degree in finance. He matriculated top of his class with six distinctions in matric which secured him a bursary to study at UCT.