full moon, huge bonfire and Lynedoch EcoVillage welcomed last night the first group of 11 Umzi Wethu students who arrived to live in our Farmhouse for the next year. A project in partnership with the Wilderness Foundation focusing on an intensive learning programme involving employment on successful completion of accredited hospitality training, 4 five-day nature trails, ongoing mentorship and participation in living sustainably as well as internship as chefs at Spier, we celebrated beginning this journey with our new arrivals. Courageous and full of enthusiasm, the participants spoke to us of their dreams for success…talented, from very poor homes without possibility for further education, they were selected from 45 applicants through a rigorous interviewing process – including a 3 day hike on Table Mountain!
