April 2021
In April it was participants from farms in the Koue-bokkeveld area’s turn to be on the receiving end of a life-impacting few days of workshops arranged by Hilda Links, Waitrose Foundation Manager Education and Training Support. It was a wonderful opportunity for personal and leadership growth for everyone in attendance. The first two days of the week were dedicated to the Arts for Psychosocial Support (APS) and Skills Sharing Workshop facilitated by Spieel Arts Collective. The remaining days in the training week, held at Kaleo Guest Farm, focused on facilitation training with the group of very enthusiastic partial care facilitators. On Thursday, 29 April, Waitrose Foundation CEO, Kobus Visagie, also visited the group to encourage and inspire them in the very important role they play on partner farms at aftercare facilities. It was a very productive week and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.
The attendees especially appreciated the chance that they were given to receive input away from their work context and during the school holiday week. This meant that they had no distractions impacting on their learning experience. As caregivers in the frontline they felt appreciated and they also greatly valued the opportunity to reconnect with others who were going through the same challenges, especially as a result of lockdown.
