Newsletter: August 2010

Director's Message:

Somebody asked me last week what makes the Anna Foundation different. The first word that popped into my mind was REAL.  We do what we say we do, and more often than not we do a lot more than we say we do! The children also learn something about this “realness”.  There are no hand-outs at the Anna Foundation and no easy way around!  Children don’t always like that but the end result is a child that has self worth and understands that we get somewhere in life because we worked for it, because we took on the challenge and because we gave it our all.  This is not achieved overnight but we commit ourselves to ensuring that everything we do at the Anna Foundation remains REAL and is done for very REAL reasons.

Thank you for taking the time to read our news this month,

Anna

3 R's IN ACTION

The month of August continues to explore the theme on animals – my pets, the care which they need and my responsibility towards them. The focus then shifts to caring for our earth where topics such as global warming, pollution and recycling are examined.  In one particular lesson the children are required to first design then build a unique, usable product made from a variety of recyclable materials.
 
Throughout this year we have highlighted the use of additional learning material. The children who were once very ‘anti-work’ are now begging the teachers for “more games” – these include word building and matching pictures with words, to mention just two examples.  The great thing is, the children are hungry for more but are totally unaware of how much they are learning at the same time!  

Our ‘To the Max’ programme continues in the sports hour and we can already see an improvement in the children’s pushup, stork-stand and double jump endurance levels.  The programme has also highlighted a few ‘problem’ areas in younger kids who are unable to do a single sit-up due to their severely under-developed core muscles.  This affects balance and hampers their ability to sit properly at their desk, which in turn affects their concentration – a clear example of our ‘Healthy body, healthy mind’ philosophy.   A number of exciting, fast-paced games are also incorporated into the hour and these help to improve dexterity, body flexibility and increase fitness plus, they’re just jolly good fun! After all of this, the bicycles are taken for a spin around the ‘ol Chenin Block.  A lovely way to finish end off an afternoon.

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SOMERSET COLLEGE VISITS SIMONSIG

On Friday 30 July approximately thirty English-speaking Grade 3 children from Somerset College were brought by their parents to Simonsig Wine Estate to join the thirty Afrikaans-speaking Anna Foundation children at their after-school club for an afternoon of fun sports activities.

When the Somerset College kids arrived at the farm, there was a momentary shyness from both groups of children but a game of musical chairs quickly broke the ice and they were mingling, laughing and falling over one another in no time!  Each child from Simonsig then paired up with a new friend from the visiting school and simultaneously embarked on  a 10-station obstacle course which involved climbing through hoola hoops,  knocking over bottles, balancing golf balls on spoons, climbing over, sliding under and dribbling soccer balls...  just to mention a few of the hurdles!  After each pair had conquered the obstacle course, the Somerset College children gave each farm child a cool drink which they had brought with them to share.

To top off a wonderful afternoon, the visitors handed over a selection of sports equipment which they had been collecting for the Simonsig children during the months prior to their visit.  Rather than simply sending someone to ‘drop off’ their contribution, the children from Somerset College had chosen to be involved with their donation by meeting the children who were to receive their gifts, hence the visit to the after-school club.  What a wonderful incentive from these young children – we can definitely learn a lot from them!  A wonderful time was had by all, including the parents of the visiting children who had enjoyed watching their own little ones bond and communicate in beginner’s Afrikaans with the Simonsig kids.  The children were determined to stay in touch with their new tjommies as they waved goodbye and look forward to hopefully meeting up again for another afternoon of fun!

Thank you to Somerset College Grade 3 teacher Taryn Rose-Innes for initiating this wonderful cultural incentive and to all Grade 3 pupils and parents for your kind donation of sports equipment and for joining our children for an afternoon they will not forget!

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WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

Thus far, our new monthly teacher training schedule has looked at various barriers which can affect a child’s ability to learn. Topics we have explored include dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, FAS (Foetal Alcohol Syndrome) as well as the emotional and social factors which can affect children.  Rather than solely have Danica (our curriculum developer) give out information about these subjects, the teachers are able to think about the situations on their own farms and brainstorm with the other teachers as to the best way to manage these hurdles.  The ladies ask questions about the best practices in which to solve specific situations and with Danica’s guidance the women leave the training sessions armed with new wisdom and a  self-assurance which they can take back to the after-school clubs as well as their own homes.

Over the past few months our 3 R’s teachers have grown a lot closer to one another and the monthly training mornings have become a wonderful way for the ladies (and gent) to share their ideas and tell their stories to one another.  In addition to this support, our project managers visit the farms on a weekly basis so that any problems or queries can be sorted out immediately.  Danica also continues with her regular farm visits to assist with all the teacher’s questions regarding education and our curriculum. 

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TOTALSPORTS LADIES' RACE

On 9 August the Anna Foundation children congregated in Plein Street, Stellenbosch for the start of the Totalsports Ladies’ Race in celebration of Women’s Day.  Even the cold weather couldn’t stop the children from enjoying the event as they stood huddled in the pouring rain singing Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika at the top of their voices.  Once underway, the initial start of the race was slow due to the number of runners taking part but the children managed to bob and weave under the elbows of the taller competitors to break away and find a pace with which they were comfortable and many Anna Foundation children finished their 5kms in an impressive time. The children had the opportunity to have their faces painted while waiting for Pop Idol, Jody Williams to take to the stage.  The kids had been waiting in anticipation for her performance the whole week and everyone quickly thawed as they danced and sang to her greatest hits.  The Anna Foundation children thoroughly enjoy their monthly fun run as they try for a new ‘personal best’ each time, and interaction with the public provides an opportunity to grow their self confidence and practice good manners.  

Congratulations to Top Events for holding such a successful event and for providing the entries for the Anna Foundation children. Thank you to Timberlea Farm for donating fruit for the children to enjoy after the run.

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THE CHILDREN LEARN NEW SPORTS

Over the past month, volunteers Quinton Stone and Hans Menck have visited the farms to teach our children the basics of golf and karate.  Rural children are not normally exposed to these sports and although they are familiar with seeing golf on TV or watching a karate movie, they now have an understanding of the games and a greater respect for the skills required in order to excel in these sports. 

The introduction to the golf lesson began with the children standing well apart from one another and being paired with the appropriate-sized golf club, which was for the best as their automatic reaction was to imitate the pros and swing the clubs around!  The teachers quickly stepped in and the children were instructed to lay the clubs on the ground while Quinton demonstrated the correct way to hold the club followed by the golf swing.  While learning various correct golfing techniques, the children were just itching to hit the ball when finally that moment arrived and they lined up and put into practice all that they had been taught.  Some of them showed natural talent and struck the ball with ease while others looked as though they were trying to dig a hole or crack open an egg!  Whatever the level of skill, the children thoroughly enjoyed their golfing lesson and were overjoyed when Quinton left them a few golf clubs so that they could practice on their own.

The karate lesson was given by Hans Menck, a volunteer who specializes in martial arts. The children were shown how to defend themselves by learning a variety of different karate kicks and despite it being a serious lesson, the children’s faces beamed as they practiced with their mates and giggles were heard all around.  Hans also focused on upper body strength and the children worked on their cartwheels and handstands under their instructor’s watchful eye. Before leaving, Hans challenged the children to learn to walk on their hands which immediately turned into a contest for the girls to outdo the boys but does that surprise you?!  

Thank you to both these volunteers for taking the time to make a difference to these children’s lives.

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WINES WITH HEART:
Anna Foundation Selection

Last month we told you that we are now a beneficiary of Wines with heart - and now, we even have our own special case of wine: The Anna Foundation Selection!

The Anna Foundation case consists of 3 medium bodied whites and 3 medium bodied reds. The selection is hand chosen and a good representation of SA best wine farms is available for you to buy online for R225.00. From every case sold, R45 per case will be donated to the Anna Foundation.

You may be asking "But what is Wines with Heart and how does it work?"
Wines with heart collects wines generously donated by wine farms in the region, repackages them into mixed mystery boxes of 6 bottles and then sells them on to customers. The boxes are delivered straight to your door at no additional cost. What a great gift idea because you can choose to purchase a once-off case, or subscribe to receive your mystery case monthly. 

To make things even easier, you can simply click here for an order form. It already has our special code (anna1) appearing on it which means that the proceeds will automatially go to the Anna Foundation!  If you go to http://www.wineswithheart.org/ you will see other wine products which you can purchase but please make sure you quote "anna1" if you would like to choose us as your choice of charity.   

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OUTING TO THE GOLDEN YOLK EGG FARM

On Friday 6 August thirty-two eager children climbed aboard Simonsig’s truck and were taken to the Golden Yolk Egg Farm in Agter Paarl.  On arrival, they were immediately made to feel welcome by the farm staff who gave them the freedom to explore. 

The children were shown the pack store and saw exactly how the eggs are sorted and packaged before being sent to the supermarket shelves for purchase.  Mouths were agape when they saw the double yolks inside the Jumbo eggs not to mention the massive walk-in refrigerator!  The children were alble to see the chicken feeders housing the thousands of chickens and were highly fascinated by the massive egg production and overall operation of the farm.  Before leaving, each child was handed their own Jumbo-sized egg to take home and a few lucky children discovered that theirs held not two but three yolks!

Thank you to Christiaan Serfontein and staff from Golden Yolk for your hospitality and for organising the highly enlightening tour.

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THANK YOU!

  • Top Events: Thank you for the entries into the Totalsports Ladies' Race 
  • Timberlea: Marion Jeffrey, the fruit after the fun run were such a treat!
  • Oakpics: The photos are most appreciated
  • Andrew Francis: For giving up many hours to assist us with our marketing 
    game plan and for your enthusiasm
  • Golden Yolk Egg Farm
  • Somerset College Grade 3 Pupils: And also to your teacher Taryn Rose-Innes, for co-ordinating your visit and for  the donation of sports goods
  • Donated Goods in Kind: Rina Spamer (school shirts); Faye Townsend 
    (children's toys/games/books)
  • Monetary Donations: Warren Blaauw; Albert Cornelissen 
  • All 1%Club members: Your monthly contribution makes such a difference
  • For your support: Wines with Heart, Charitymall and wine.co.za

     

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    AUGUST IN ACTION

     

     THE THINGS KIDS SAY!

    Teacher and pupils are looking at pictures of different birds...
    Teacher:"Watter tipe voël is dit?"
    Child: "Dis 'n regte voël!"
    Question: "What kind of bird is this?"
    Answer: "It's a real bird!"
    ~ Selwyn (age 7)

      

     
    Learning all about panda bears

     

     
    Building Words

     

     

        
    A warm up game of musical chairs

     

     

     

     
    Competing with parachute-resistance 

     

     

     

     


    Solms-Delta 3 R's teachers, Carlien and Koos with project manager, Tanja

      

     

     

      


    The long and short of it. Older children often support the little runners

     

     
    First Anna Foundation runner home: Little Romano is interviewed by the race organisers 

     
     


    Quinton explains how to hold the club correctly 

     


    Karate Kicks!

     

     

     

     

     www.wineswithheart.org

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     Children and Chicken
    Standing among the rows (and rows and rows... ) of chickens

     

     

    A SPECIAL THANK YOU!

    Details for Exclusive Books, Stellenbosch
    This month we would like to extend a special thanks to Exclusive Books, Stellenbosch for their  ongoing contribution of books and endless support. Heinie, we really appreciate all that you have done for the Anna Foundation. Thank you!    

     

     

     

    NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES:

    July 2010

    June 2010

    May 2010

    April 2010

    March 2010

    February 2010

    January 2010