Froggies Aftercare, founded in July 2021 by the community for the community, is making a remarkable difference in the lives of the children in the Devon Valley farming community.
This non-profit organisation, based at Devon Valley Primary School, currently provides educational support in a safe and nurturing environment to 45 learners between age 5 and 10 years. The after-care is run by a dedicated group of local facilitators, who provide a hot meal, homework assistance, reading, maths and computer tutoring. In addition, life-skills programmes, through sport and recreation as well as extensive volunteer involvement, allow these children to flourish and grow
The Devon Valley Farms Association provided the initial seed capital and renders ongoing support, while individual donations from the local Stellenbosch community and further afield enable Froggies Aftercare to keep flourishing.
Apart from providing a space that is safe, loving and stimulating for the youth the team aims to support parents through outreach and parenting programmes. Froggies Aftercare is completely dependent on donations, and all funds are put towards supporting children emanating from challenging circumstances.
According to one of the founding members, Linda Macfarlane, the support in terms of the donation of toys, books, stationery, sports and art equipment has been overwhelming.
“We are ever so grateful for the amazing support we’ve received since we started this programme, not only in terms of donations, but also for the outreach support from other schools and organisations like Pret op die Plaas, Samaritan’s Feet, The Cape Leopard Trust, Stellenbosch Municipality Grant in Aid Fund and Stellenbosch Feeding in Action.
“Froggies Aftercare is based at Devon Valley Primary School, which provides a sound infrastructure at minimum cost. Facilitators hale from the local community and are actively involved as role models in the lives of the children. Over the past year the team has revived the school library and launched an active reading programme.”
The team intends to expand the aftercare programme to more children and a broader age group, but for now the focus remains the foundation phase Grades 0 to 3.
Although Froggies is an NPO, parents have to pay a nominal fee of R100 a month as part of their commitment to the upbringing of their children in partnership with Froggies.
“Froggies has been helping children grow for more than a year now,” concludes Macfarlane. “Our facilitators are amazing – you feel the love and commitment at the school and the children are just so eager to learn. We know that with the necessary support, Froggies Aftercare can continue to assist these kids to become the best version of themselves.
