A new programme! Our Lifeskills training programme was launched on the 27th of April 2010. Parents were invited to attend the first session with the children to see what the programme entails and to get commitment from their side as well. Adri van Aswegen, our phenomenal art teacher, will facilitate the sessions on a monthly basis.

On the 8th of March 2010 our Early Childhood Development programme opened its doors to 40 children. In 2011 our brand new Grade R class opened its doors to 26 eager learners. The Education Centre continues to grow and evolve - made possible by generous contributions from individuals and various organisations.

Underneath a scorching hot sun, more than 400 people arrived to attend the official opening of The Darling Community Pool and Education Centre. Close to 200 children waited patiently while the tension and temperature was rising. Evita Bezuidenhout, the most famous white woman in South Africa, welcomed everybody with the words " In Darling we don't wait for things to happen, we make things happen". The community choir, conducted by Bryn Juliana-Jones sang for the guests followed by a dance routine performed by Jikeleza Dance Company. Finally the big moment arrived. Riaan Neethling, chair person of The Darling Trust, started the countdown and Evita Bezuidenhout, Sabine Plattner and Maude Goliath approached the ribbon. The second they cut the ribbon all the children jumped into the pool. What a beautiful moment. There was not a dry eye or child on the premises.

A highly experienced remedial teacher, with the assistance of four facilitators, runs three different projects at The Darling Turst.

1. Darling Early Learning Programme - This programme exposes children to the skills and concepts necessary to the full development of literacy later on in life.
2. Darling AHA-Read Programme - This programme provides remedial literacy lessons to 90 children in the Darling area.
3. Darling Parenting Project - This programme focuses on the parents, assisting them to develop skills which will ensure that their children can grow to their full potential.

A young man who studies at a local college receives funding from The Darling Trust for his accommodation. He has a bursary for his studies but his family could not afford the accommodation expenses.

We are currenlty in the process of expanding our education projects. Further information on future plans and on the existing projects will be available shortly.