April 15th, 2013
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‘Exclusive Inclusion’ is a study on how non-formal education contributes to quality education for all in the broader Stellenbosch area of South Africa. ‘Exclusive Inclusion’ is the title of Loes Bijleveld’s Master Thesis, which is her concluding piece of work for a Master Degree in International Development Studies in Amsterdam. Loes collected her data from the Vision AfriKa students and other South African organisations. Her presence and recommendations were very much appreciated by staff and youth. Read below about her experience, findings and recommendations!
Within the first few days, I was already positively surprised by the work of Vision AfriKa. I arrived as a critical foreigner, straight from the academic world, and I didn´t know what to expect. The warm personalities of the staff and their commitment to the children they serve was my first of many positive experiences.
Vision AfriKa improves the daily lives of youngsters. Partly due to the close bond they have with staff members, students are able to discuss topics of a personal nature. The life skills programme is a true asset to the students, as it provides useful information as well as enabling the students to develop friendships and support each other.
In my opinion, the biggest achievement of Vision AfriKa is the personal attention students receive from staff members. In a more practical way, Vision AfriKa also offers the students quiet places to study and computers to work on. These resources make studying more comfortable, and allow students to become familiar with technologies that will be useful in their future careers.
Based on my research, I made some recommendations to improve the programme. Due to the important role played by staff, I suggested that Vision AfriKa invest in teacher training as much as possible. A second recommendation I made was to keep track of ex-participants to see what they have found useful and what difficulties they are still facing. A last recommendation was to take time at the end of each year to reflect upon and improve the programme.
After three months of in depth research, I can only conclude on a positive note. Vision AfriKa is an organisation that connects to the lives of students in disadvantaged areas. The project recognizes and sometimes shares the challenges students face in their communities. I believe in the power of Vision AfriKa to make a significant contribution to the lives of disadvantaged students and make them self-confident and ambitious young adults.
Anyone interested in reading Loes’ final report should contact Vision AfriKa for a copy.
March 27th, 2013
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In the middle of the night on Thursday, March 14, a large fire in Zone 0 in Kayamandi destroyed nearly 1,600 homes. This left 4,500 people homeless, many possessing only the clothes they were wearing. Due to the closely-built nature of the homes, fire trucks and crews struggled to access and control the fire. Two people died. The cause of the fire has not been determined.
Vision AfriKa is thankful that all of its staff and students are safe. Unfortunately, at least 35 Vision AfriKa students lost their homes and all their possessions in the fire. The staff of Vision AfriKa have been working tirelessly since the fire to provide food and water for the fire victims, and to gather donations for the affected students. Vision AfriKa is still in the process of distributing food, toiletries, clothes, and construction supplies to the students.
Vision AfriKa is deeply grateful for the support it has received since the fire. School supplies, clothes, shoes, and other supplies are still urgently needed. If you wish to support our recovery efforts, please contact Gerrit Laning at gerrit@visionafrika.com
February 1st, 2013
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The recipe: An energetic group of 28 participants from diverse backgrounds, a whole weekend and a campsite nestled in the vineyards at the foot of Simonsberg, (10km outside Stellenbosch).
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November 5th, 2012
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Organised by Rotaract Club Rotterdam and Rotary Club Rotterdam Nieuwe Dag
On Wednesday October 31st 2012 the Benefit Dinner named ‘Taste South Africa’ took place at the World Port Center in Rotterdam. A beautiful venue located on the banks of the river Maas. On behalf of the board of Foundation Vision AfriKa Europe, Nienke Groen spoke about the programme of Vision AfriKa and the importance of support by donations from countries like the Netherlands. After Nienke’s presentation Joop Van Caldenborgh, a renowned Dutch Art collector, gave an inspiring lecture. He spoke about the Caldic Collection, his sculpture garden in Wassenaar (The Netherlands) and his plans for opening his own museum.
During the benefit dinner a jazz band provided musical entertainment. We very much enjoyed the South African dishes combined with a tasteful wine. A special thank you goes out to the students of the Hospitality Trade School of Rotterdam, who served a delicious three course dinner.
This great evening ended with handing over a cheque of €6,000 (!). This wonderful amount is an important contribution to the programmes of Vision AfriKa in Kayamandi en Vlottenburg. We are very grateful that Rotaract Club Rotterdam and Rotary Club Rotterdam Nieuwe Dag put so much effort and energy into the organisation of this amazing dinner. We would also like to thank all the others involved in making this evening to a great success!
July 19th, 2012
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Staff members received training in First Aid to save lives
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July 19th, 2012
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the Grade 11’s learn about recycling
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July 17th, 2012
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Gr 10’s become computer proficient
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July 6th, 2012
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Gr 10’s tackle the ice-rink
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July 4th, 2012
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Vision Afrika partners with parents
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May 28th, 2012
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Vision Afrika members talk about the projects and programmes and life as an South African
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