The Wijn de Caab Trust, in keeping with its commitment to transformation in the Franschhoek Valley, has entered into a partnership with the Anna Foundation. The aim is to provide additional educational support to our farm children, both in Franschhoek High during school hours, and during the afternoons in the estate’s After School Centre. The Anna Foundation has the fascinating and totally surprising slogan of the “Three R’s”, which refers to “Reading, Running and Righting” (reminds me a little bit of Alice in Wonderland, where someone spoke about subjects like reeling and writhing).But, seriously, Anna Brom, the founder, is dedicated to providing an educational service to learners to meet the current challenges in the educational system. That’s the Reading. Then to an active and healthy life which leads to greater self worth. That’s the Running. And to a better sense of right choice, right life-style and right individuality in a child’s life. That’s the Righting.
The Solms-Delta After School Centre is run by Tanya le Roux. The local support teachers are Koos Daniels and Karlien Afrika. With Koos, it’s a real case of beating swords into ploughshares. After a tough life in the army, which included active service in Angola, he decided to dedicate his life to helping children. “I know that I can make a difference in their lives,” he says, “I just look at the children and I can see the improvement. I want to be a helping hand in this community.” He knows from bitter experience what it is like to be a barefoot farm child, growing up in the Ceres area, with 100 children in the farm school and only 2 teachers. He still remembers when he first put on long trousers and had to wear shoes when he went to high school. But he persevered and he wants these children in his care to persevere as well.
Both Koos and Karlien recognize the problem of children having illiterate parents, but maintain that it should not absolve them from overseeing homework. “My father, although he could not read, always made me explain my homework to him, and if he could, he would help. That comforted me,” says Koos. Both teachers also emphasize the importance of the children having good role models, being given encouragement and being taught discipline.
This partnership between the Anna Foundation and Solms-Delta’s Wijn de Caab Trust certainly gives children hope, where there might have been very little before.
John van Zyl
Read more about Anna Foundation activities here: http://www.solms-delta.co.za/community/wijn-de-caab-trust/anna-foundation/
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