The start of something new

This afternoon, we gathered at St Vincent RC Primary in Koelenhof in the rural outskirts of Stellenbosch to officially open a counselling room at our 31st partner school.   There is no school hall so we first met in the chapel to listen to the speeches and then stood in the shade of the trees to enjoy some refreshments and swop stories.

In her speech, our funder representative Cheryl Farao of Remgro recited the words of Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”  

Space is at a premium and this is the smallest “office” we have ever opened, but we know that we can achieve great things despite the small space.  We have created a safe space for learners, educators and parents/guardians to come and talk about the things that trouble them and we will listen, without judgement.

Please click on the triangle in the image below to play the short video

 

Our host for the day CK Area Manager, Elanie van Zyl, with her colleagues Sherize Nel, Lee-Anne Botes, Mieke van der Merwe and Marelie Blomerus.
Dianne Broodryk (Jacaranda FM), Cheryl Farao (Remgro), Andre du Plessis (Co-Founder and Chairman of Community Keepers) and Sherlin Barends (Patron of Community Keepers)

Sherlin is serenaded for her birthday
CK Care Facilitator, Valentia Qonono, with two of the St Vincent Primary educators
Angelo Julies, Editor of Eikestad Nuus, interviews School Principal Sister Lucie
Marelie Blomerus (CK Operations Manager) with Andre du Plessis (Capitec) and Dianne Broodryk (Jacaranda FM)
Lee-Anne Botes, our therapist at Idas Valley Primary, where Sherlin Barends (KFM Breakfast) went to school
Evona Rebelo (Director: Catholic Schools Office), retired Sister who now dedicates her time and speaks with great passion about their vegetable garden project, Cheryl, Sr Lucie, Gerrit Laning (CEO: Community Keepers) with Andre and Sherlin