Creating brighter futures for the children of Lynedoch Valley
We believe that every child in the Lynedoch Valley has the right to receive the best possible education that will help them realise their full potential. Acknowledging that each child is unique and learns differently, we strive to leave no child behind and support each child where they are at.
Annually we support more than 160 children from Lynedoch Valley with full scholarships to access high quality education best suited to their needs. This includes a number of our valley children who attend SPARK Lynedoch Primary School on full bursary, as well as our own beautiful Montessori primary class that we started in January 2020. Here, we extend our Montessori learning to provide children aged 6 – 12 with the opportunity to flourish through a diversity of learning experiences.
Our support further includes transport, nutrition, sports and the creative arts, and a holistic socio-emotional and academic support programme to children, and their families, through our partnership with Community Keepers and our own Student Development Unit. Our children are supported academically, socially and emotionally as best as possible thanks to the support of long-term funders and partners.
Bright futures start with quality, relevant education and support. We remain dedicated to have a transformative impact on the lives of the children and youth in the Lynedoch Valley through the educational programmes we offer.
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The Team
Natasha King
Jessica Eley
Shaun Claasen
Rosaline Van Niekerk
FACILITATOR
Natasha King
Natasha is a facilitator at the Sustainability Institute and has been involved in youth projects since the age of 14.
She has completed her Honours degree in Applied Theatre and is currently working towards her Masters through the University of Stellenbosch. What inspires Natasha is the fact that she gets to pursue her goals through her interactions with other passionate young people.
STUDENT DEVELOPMENT
Jessica Eley
Jessica Eley is a qualified teacher, specialising in learner support and special educational needs.
She has worked in this field since 2013, working in the private school sector, abroad in France and Vietnam, and locally as well. She holds two diplomas from UNISA in Tourism and Event Management and a Post Graduate in Education. Her passion is working with children and providing them with individualised support catering to their specific needs. Originally from and living in the area, Jessica is driven and motivated to provide the children in the Lynedoch Valley and surrounds, with the support, guidance and love to the best of her ability to create a better future for them.
MOVEMENT SPECIALIST
Shaun Claasen
Shaun is the IT Administrator, providing desktop and technical support. He holds a Diploma in A+ Computer Technician and N+ Computer networking from CTU training solution in Stellenbosch, and Operations Management Diploma from Correspondence Training Academy.
In addition to technology, Shaun is passionate about sports and working with children. He is also the team manager of Lynedoch United (the first registered soccer team in the area) and coaches the U11’s team. He decided to become a soccer coach because he wanted to give back to the local Lynedoch community.
COMMUNITY COORDINATOR
Rosaline Van Niekerk
Ross is a registered Assessor and Facilitator in Lynedoch Early Learning. She holds a NQF level 4 and NQF level 5 Diploma in Early Childhood Development.
She is the epitome of someone who practices what she believes within the classroom, due to her practical experience of working with children. Her vision is that every person working with children must have an accredited qualification, because we those are the people who help build a holistic development of the child. Directors and assistants must be proud of the role they play in children’s lives and also have the confidence that they are the best.