Dearest Family and Friends of the Earthchild Project

We hope you’re all well, warm and happy.

Firstly, we’d like to thank all those who supported us at the ‘Earthchild’ documentary screening at the Labia Cinema in June.  The theatre was jam packed, Noks and the kids performed like super stars, and the response to the film was overwhelmingly positive.  The film was very powerful - it made the audience laugh, cry, feel inspired and full of hope.  We’d like to thank both Lesedi and Mesa Films for making such a beautiful and moving documentary.  www.mesafilms.co.za

During the first week of school holidays we ran a holiday programme for 120 children at Sakumlandela in Khayelitsha.  Each day began with an hour of yoga and meditation followed by all sorts of fun activities and a yummy lunch.  With the support of a group of amazing volunteers we had drama, dancing, origami, art, story telling, gardening, worm farming and more!  The final day ended with a concert, with performances by the drama group, sock puppeteers, music and the ‘Earthchild’ documentary.  The children, volunteers and Earthchild team all left with big smiles and beautiful memories - enriched by the experience of a week of good clean, holistic fun and learning.  A very big THANK YOU to all the amazing and committed volunteers – we couldn’t have done it without you!

Together with another local NGO, New World Foundation, Shane and Zain helped organise a holiday programme for 100 children from various primary schools in the Seawinds and Lavender Hill area.  Their activities included soccer, music with recycled instruments, boomerang throwing and much more.  The overall theme was 'Diversity' and local youth helped facilitate along with international volunteers.

Our Earthchild Hero for the month is the beautiful and talented musician, Chana Rothman, all the way from the USA.  While visiting Cape Town she offered to run music workshops with our two schools.  Chana uses music as a tool to unite and share across boundaries of culture, language, age and nationality.  She taught the children songs and learn’t theirs in exchange.  The rhythm, spirit and enthusiasm of the children was incredible and long after Chana is back home they will still be singing her songs.  www.chanarothman.com

In the last two months we have sadly had to bid farewell to our two earthbrothers, Shane and Zain.  They have been fantastic facilitators at Zerilda Park Primary and are incredibly passionate and talented youth workers.  We are grateful for the time we had with them on our team and wish them much success and growth in their future endeavors.

Finally, in the two months to come, as winter starts to fade and spring emerges, let us be aware of the changes we see around us and within.

Much Love to you all

The Earthchild Project Team