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GEORGE NEWS - One thing is certain in life, and that is change.
Community development is in constant flux, and nowhere is this more evident than in the Kleinkrantz informal settlement, where The Library has become a beacon of hope for local children.
What began nearly three years ago in a derelict container, transformed by the Kleinkrantz Nature's Valley Community Forum, was a modest dream: to foster a love of books. A facilitator opened the doors three afternoons a week, one for reading, one for art and one for environmental learning. But the children hungered for more.
Volunteers stepped in, bringing art, music, storytelling and excursions into nature. Quiet reading afternoons soon evolved into vibrant gatherings where children learnt, expressed themselves and felt seen. Many now report marked improvements in reading and comprehension.
At the Library: Children busy with their artwork.
Today, the library is far more than a reading space. Sponsorships support aftercare for schoolchildren, while holiday programmes broaden horizons with outings and festivals designed to help children make positive life choices. Younger children continue to flock to the container, eager for the warmth and attention it provides.
The space also serves the broader community, hosting mobile clinics, meetings and celebrations. But new needs are emerging: a study area for high school learners, a resource centre with printers and eventually computers, and expanded infrastructure. With support, a second container is on the way, pending municipal approval.
At its heart, this project shows the ripple effect of small acts of care. Every Friday, volunteers still gather to bring joy and skills through play, art, song and dance. These simple gestures help build resilience, confidence and curiosity in a community where unemployment, substance abuse and crime remain daily realities.
As the video interview with Wayne Windvoël of People Against Substance Abuse reminds us, community-driven efforts can spark transformation. When we invest in our children, we invest in the future of the Garden Route:
"Three years ago, things looked so different. Today, I see real hope for our children, and I know the best is still to come," said Ester Dampies, Kleinkrantz Nature's Valley Community Forum's chairperson.
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