February News!

Random Act of Kindness shown to Graceland

The first year occupational therapy class at Stellenbosch University was nominated by the first year occupational therapy class of the University of Cape Town to a RAK nomination, (Random Act of Kindness nomination). This means that they had a specific time-frame to complete any act of kindness, film it, and put it on social media (such as Youtube or Facebook). 

We were visited by the class of Occupational Therapy students from Stellenbosch University, a very eager and willing group. Their Random Act of Kindness to us was to do activities with the children and pamper the teachers. The activities with the children included playing games, face painting and doing creative art work. Our children enjoyed every moment of it. The pampering of the teachers included the a very indulgent manicure that started with a thorough hand massage. It is one of the few times where the teachers are also being spoiled. The RAK film will be online on the 18th of March 2014. Watch out for Graceland!

Thank you for choosing Graceland to be part of such a great initiative! If each one of us could show a Random Act of Kindness to someone we meet or see daily, the world would be a better place. My hope is that our little Gracelanders will one day be the ones to pay it forward and show others the kindness they continue to receive at Graceland. 

"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention." 

Oscar Wilde 

February News

Connecting with Stellenbosch University

On the end of the First Years MATIES launch, about 60 students did community service within the Devon Valley area and Graceland was fortunate enough to be a part of the community service project. 20 students came to assist Graceland with any maintenance that needed to be done. We had students attending to our vegetable garden, assisting with the daily routine, doing touch-up with paint to the school building, they started putting up our chicken-wired fence that had been donated by Mr and Mrs Ruest (local farm owners) and they painted our jungle gym with paint that had been donated by Stellenbosch University. The Graceland family is filled with gratitude and astonished at the attitude and diligence with which the students carried out their tasks.

One of the students who participated in the community service is wheel chaired bound. Her life story and ability to serve despite her physical disabilities inspired and enlightened a new way of thinking within the school. This allowed the learners and staff to realise that all things are possible and that there is always a good reason to serve others. We wish every student who came to serve at Graceland all the best and success for their academic years to come. May God bless you.