A generous donation of stationery packs for all the children of the Seven Passes Initiative provided a happy start to their new year.

The Initiative is a youth development and educational organisation that seeks to prevent youth involvement in crime through providing quality after school care. According to the project coordinator, Cedrick Buys, donations such as these are much needed and assist Seven Passes in their quest to improve the lives of the youngsters.
"Thank you so much to the Value people for bringing joy to our kids. You have sown a seed and one day you will reap what you sow," he told representatives of the company who made the delivery.

Seven Passes presents homework clubs and regular educational activities, including sport, music and drama in their quest to towards long-term poverty alleviation through raising the educational level of the community. It is driven by a dedicated team of commercial farmers and community members from Hoekwil and Touwsranten.

"We believe that education is key to overcoming poverty. The homework classes are offered to junior and high school learners every week of the school year. This is done in cooperation with students from Tsiba Eden Campus and adult volunteers in the area. Here children can come and do their homework safely while receiving assistance from adults," said Buys.
A computer centre established at the Touwsranten Primary School has become a sanctuary for high school students in the area. Here they can conduct research, do their school projects and learn the skills to equip them for the job market.
Seven Passes also offers holiday programmes to give children the opportunity to play constructively while being supervised, and to showcase their talents such as sailing, line-dancing and acting.

All this is made possible by the dedication of Cedrick and another staff member, Ryan Philander, as well as through partnerships with donors, the local business community and schools in the area.
For more information, contact Cedrick at 072 727 8346.