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Education

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Education is at the heart of everything we do. It underpins all of our pillars, as we believe that real and lasting change begins with learning, skills development, and opportunity. Through our programs, children and youth are introduced to practical skills such as baking, woodworking, sewing, knitting, and other hands-on activities that build confidence, creativity, and independence.

We also create opportunities for young people to grow through sports and life skills. Through a recent collaboration with Adopt a Swimmer, children from the Kranshoek community are now learning to swim—an important life skill that also builds confidence, resilience, and joy while opening new experiences beyond their immediate environment.

Our work is supported by local and international mentors who generously share their knowledge, from baking and craftsmanship to entrepreneurship and business management. In addition, we use creative educational tools such as theatre, in collaboration with Lunchbox Theatre, to inspire young people and engage them in meaningful conversations about their lives and futures.

By combining practical learning, creativity, mentorship, and movement, we aim to support, empower, and inspire the next generation—helping children and youth develop the skills, confidence, and vision they need to build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.

Milestones

May 2019
Our journey of love began in Kranshoek, where we started a small soup kitchen for children. Every Saturday, between 30 and 50 little ones would gather to draw, laugh, and play together before sharing a warm, nourishing meal. What began as a simple act of feeding soon became something much deeper—a place of care, connection, and belonging for the children and the community.
March 2020
When lockdown began, we did not know what the journey ahead would look like—but we knew we had to respond. Very quickly, our small Saturday soup kitchen in Kranshoek transformed into a mobile soup kitchen, bringing food directly to the community. What once served 30–50 children soon grew rapidly, as more and more children gathered around our cars each day. With schools closed and feeding schemes paused, our meals became a vital source of nourishment and comfort during an uncertain time.
January 2021
As the pandemic deepened, our soup kitchen became a daily lifeline for the Kranshoek community. Seven days a week, we showed up with love and nourishment, serving up to 1,000 meals each day. What began as a small Saturday gathering grew into a powerful movement of care, resilience, and community support during a time of great uncertainty.
July 2023
One of our early community meetings revealed a deep concern around alcohol and drug addiction. Wanting to respond with care and meaningful support, we invited Marsh from the Knysna Alcohol and Drug Centre to speak with the community. Together, we explored ways to prevent substance abuse, where to find help, and how the community could support one another on the path toward healing and recovery.
October 2023
The Little Lab Coats visited our Kids Club and brought science to life in the most exciting way. The children experimented with different mixtures to launch rockets, filling the day with laughter, curiosity, and plenty of wonder. Along the way, they learned that not every “potion” is harmless and discovered how simple ingredients can create big reactions—an inspiring day of learning, fun, and exploration.
December 2023
The Kranshoek Scouts were founded to create a space where children could grow, learn new skills, and support one another. It has been wonderful to see the older children guiding and encouraging the younger ones, building confidence and a strong sense of community. Each week they also join the Plett Scouts, expanding their experience and continuing their journey of teamwork, leadership, and discovery.
February 2025
After a year of joyful play, our Kids Club naturally grew into a space for deeper learning and development. We began introducing more structure and practical life skills—knowledge that many children no longer receive at school. From the patience of needlework to the creativity of woodworking, each new skill opened the door to confidence, pride, and new possibilities for the children.
May 2025
Through our collaboration with Adopt a Swimmer, four boys now attend weekly swimming lessons in a nurturing small-group setting. Beyond learning this vital life skill, the water offers them a space to relax, step out of survival mode, and simply be children. Each lesson builds confidence, resilience, and courage—showing how meaningful opportunities can create a lasting impact in a child’s life.
July 2025
Our annual Ocean Festival grows in importance each year, especially since Plettenberg Bay has been declared a marine protected area. With this comes both a privilege and a responsibility—to help the children understand why protecting and respecting our natural environment matters. During the winter holidays, we were grateful to bring all our Kids Club children to this inspiring event, giving them the chance to connect with the ocean and discover the importance of caring for our marine world.
November 2025
Three of our young swimmers have taken the next inspiring step on their journey by joining the Nippers lifesaving training. What began as swimming lessons has grown into a dream of becoming lifesavers—learning discipline, improving their swimming skills, and spending time in healthy outdoor activities. Through the Nippers program, they also connect with children their age from other communities, building friendships, confidence, and a sense of belonging while discovering how far their dreams can take them.
December 2025
Each year, we celebrate the festive season with our annual Christmas party, welcoming more than 250 children from the community for a joyful day filled with games, music, laughter, and delicious food. It is a beautiful moment of celebration where the children can simply enjoy being together and feel the magic of the festive season. Every child also receives a gift bag filled with useful items and sweet treats, offering both practical support and a little extra joy to take home. For many of the children and their families, this celebration is a special highlight of the year—bringing warmth, care, and a sense of community to the festive season.
people of love soup kitchen 01 b04af4ca

Our Other Pillars