Learning, growing and looking ahead
What do you want to be when you grow up? At Stepping Stones Academy, the children answered that question by dressing up as the people they dream of becoming. On another day, firefighters arrived with their truck, showed the children around and taught them what to do in case of a fire. For some of Bonnievale’s youngest learners, September was a chance to explore the world just beyond their classroom.
Across the programmes run by our partner New Breed Empowerment, that curiosity took different forms. Children explored their five senses, families shared stories, young people practised for job interviews, and local artists took to the stage at Bonnievale Primary School.
Making room for curiosity
At Stepping Stones, learning took place in the small moments of the day. Drawing and colouring fruit gave children room to be creative, while cutting along lines helped them practise hand-eye coordination. A class picnic brought everyone together for games, treats and a celebration of the September birthdays.
In Aftercare, children explored what they could see, hear, smell, taste and touch. They practised recognising letters, made dice for counting activities and learned which numbers to call in an emergency. In the Word Works sessions, caregivers explored how everyday conversations and stories help children build vocabulary, and how they can help children find words for what they’re feeling. During storytelling, older children had a chance to take the lead by reading aloud to their parents.
Showing up for learners and their families
In September, 28 school-based YearBeyond volunteers, known as Yeboneers, reached 288 learners across four schools through 669 learner sessions. Their support included helping with homework, visiting families at home and accompanying children to and from school through the walking bus.
The Yeboneers also took part in the Social Innovation Leadership Challenge, where they researched issues in their communities and developed ideas to address them. On 16 September, five teams presented their proposals. Among them was the Perma League, whose idea focused on wellbeing.
Building confidence for the world of work
A job interview can feel unfamiliar when you’ve never sat across from a panel before. On 29 September, the Jobs & Skills Centre gave young people the chance to practise in that setting. Representatives from YearBeyond, the Western Cape Government’s Community Development Workers Programme and Correctional Services in Breede River took part as panellists.
The centre also shared free online courses on topics ranging from Microsoft Office to entrepreneurship, as well as a plumbing apprenticeship opportunity for unemployed young people in the Cape Winelands.
Giving local talent a stage
September opened with NBE Records releasing Finally by Marckus Kemp. Later in the month, the music moved from the studio to the school stage. On 18 September, Nikité Louw, Street Breed and TDM Dance Crew performed at Bonnievale Primary School. The studio also opened auditions for young vocalists and ran a September studio special for local artists.
Thank you to the New Breed Empowerment team and to everyone who gave their time this month. From the caregivers who made time to share a story to the volunteers who walked children to school and the panellists who helped young people prepare for an interview, so much of September’s work came down to people showing up for one another.
