Life and Vision for Kids 2025
After three years of experience and numerous adjustments, we can proudly say that Life and Vision for Kids (LVK for short) has become an established success story. Many hurdles had to be overcome, as the concept of not only providing financial support but, above all, imparting practical life skills was unusual.
The woodworking project has received considerable attention and recognition. Teachers Jo Ann Pieterse and Wayne de Wet are doing a fantastic job. It’s incredible what kind of craftsmanship the children possess. The children are most enthusiastic about making everyday objects.
Since our focus is on children from the lowest income bracket, the children’s wishes are very different from what we as Europeans expected.
In the age group of 6 to 9 year olds, the focus is on learning how to use a handsaw, cordless drill, hammer and nails to build small toys, but also everyday objects.
For children aged 9 to 12, the highlights include building and renovating chairs, cabinets, tables, and benches. Older children, in particular, learn how to safely use almost all woodworking tools and small machines under the guidance and support of their teachers.
Building small pieces of furniture was also on the wish list of the young people participating in the recently revived “Holiday Program.” This program, initiated by the LVK (Landesverband für Kultur und Kultur und Kultur – State Association for Culture and Culture), which aims to offer young people meaningful activities during the holidays, is also gaining increasing popularity.
The children and teenagers proudly present their work to their parents and the community. The extremely positive development of their self-confidence and self-esteem is remarkable.
In addition to investments in wages and consumables, the company invested in extending the building to include a covered outdoor area. Further acquisitions included a table saw, another miter saw, and a thickness planer.
In total, 71 children were supported in the Woodworking Programme in 2025 with the funds of the LVK, plus 14 young people in the Holiday Programme.
A major challenge was the ever-increasing bureaucracy and the associated administrative burden. By 2025, we had reached our limits in terms of what could be accomplished on a volunteer basis. Thanks to Dr. Jess Schulschenk, who connected us with the Living Arts Foundation, a non-profit foundation of the Spier Winery, we found an ideal solution that saved LVK the cost of an administrative staff member. Since we share the same values and pursue the same goals, and are also located in close proximity, Living Arts took over the complete administration for the Woodworking Program on July 1, 2025.
This means that our donations cover the costs of materials and teachers, the project continues under the full control of the LVK, but is also relieved of any administrative costs.
LVK continues to cover the costs of adequate schooling for four children, as this is financially impossible for their parents. Looking back to 2025, we are pleased to see that our sponsored children are developing wonderfully and are good students. After Jason successfully completes his first year of high school in 2025, Eshan follows him in 2026.
On behalf of all the children and young people, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to all our supporters and donors from South Africa, Switzerland, and Germany. Thanks to their help, it has been possible to turn an idea into reality.
We would also like to extend our special thanks to Dr. Jess Schulschenk, Heidi Newton-King, Joylene Cornelius, Jo-Anne Pieterse, and Wayne De Wet, as well as our interns from Germany, Phil Stroka and Tim Viktorin, for their help and dedication to the local woodworking program.
As always, in 2025, all work performed by the board members was done on a voluntary basis and without reimbursement of expenses.
We wish them all the best for 2026!
2025 – News from the training centre!
Once again, the children are working on some fantastic projects together with Jo-Ann and Wayne. The children are very proud of their results—and they have every right to be!
14.05.2025