The future is indeed beaming for several children in Barrydale who are part of Bright Haven’s unique approach to addressing their specific social and educational needs.
This Non Profit Company (NPC) was officially unveiled on May 28 at their BF Oosthuizen classroom, much to the delight to the boys, their parents and the roleplayers who have made this groundbreaking initiative possible.
Bright Haven makes these children feel that they are loved, wanted, supported and that they have a place where they can just be.
Elizabeth Beer
Although Bright Haven has been operational for more than three months, it was with great joy that principal Elizabeth Beer shared how much of a difference the specialised classes and activities have already made in the lives of these young learners.
“Our boys do not have learning difficulties; their brains function differently. So our curriculum is designed to help them thrive in a more creative, loving, and caring environment,” Beer explained.
She added that each day begins with movement sessions – such as yoga and breathing techniques – followed by skills development classes presented by volunteers from the community.
Barrydale Backs Bright Haven
This is where the age-old saying, “It takes a village to raise a child,” rings especially true.
Once a week, the boys attend boxing classes under the watchful eye of Sergeant Conroy Williams of Barrydale Fight Club. On other days, Peter Takelo and Gordon Aeschliman from the Barryville Community Food Gardens share their extensive knowledge of plant growing with the group.
“It’s much more than just teaching the kids how to grow food. They learn valuable teamwork skills, and it becomes easy to track each child’s development and growth in this space,” Beer added.
Another integral volunteer is Felicity Rooke, who, through her personal experience, understands the value of a creative outlet for neurodiverse children. She presents arts and crafts classes with a heart full of love.
From a character development perspective, Denel Honeyball leads weekly drama and storytelling classes. These sessions offer several benefits for neurodiverse children: improved social skills, boosted self-expression, and enhanced creativity. They provide a safe space where children can communicate their thoughts and emotions freely.
Teamwork is dreamwork
Beer thanked all the residents and organisations that have opened their hearts and wallets to this cause.
The contributions that have been made by Johan van den Berg of VM&K and Janique Olivier of OK Grocer Barrydale in particular has played a huge role in ensuring that this project is sustainable.
Additionally, the several institutions that focus on the well being of children joined hands to ensure that all bases are covered.
“We are also very grateful to Jaco Windvogel (principal of BF Oosthuizen Primary) and the Department of Education, their phycologists and their social workers for helping us to create this space,” said Beer.
She added that it took a year-and-a-half for the organisation to reach this point.
“I’m just grateful for the entire team for their support and also to the community of Barrydale for assisting in fundraising and donations like art supplies. For Bobby (Jones) taking pictures and also Sanbona Wildlife Reserve for coming here once a month for a wildlife session”
Beer added that Sanbona also supports Bright Haven with their sex-ed sessions and that no less than 43 girls have benefited from these classes.
Other valuable partners of Bright Haven includes ACVV Barrydale and Barrydale Clinic and they play an equally important role in assisting in the growth of the boys.
“The way forward for education is having more of these classrooms in schools. More and more we are finding that children need classrooms dedicated to their needs as it makes them feel that they are connected and good enough,” she added.
“Bright Haven makes these children feel that they are loved, wanted, supported and that they have a place where they can just be.”
“Bright Haven makes these children feel that they are loved, wanted, supported and that they have a place where they can just be.”
