Trip to SA 18 February 2017 - 2 March 2017

We flew back to South Africa in February and spent a week in Cape Town.

Athol spent a day at Pinelands North Primary School ion 21 February, speaking to the various grades, teachers and parents about living a life of possibility and pushing boulders. The school is well known for it's inclusiveness and the principal and teachers are great. It's wonderful to see what is possible when a school has good leadership and resources - compared to the terribly under-resourced schools in Mitchells Plain that we work with where they are challenged by things like security. One of the teachers has adopted Athol's autobiography and has been using it in the classes for children to identify their dreams and how they are going to push any boulders that come their way - such a valuable life skill. Athol even arranged a boulder for the school to put in their beautifully decorated garden, to symbolise the idea of pushing boulders.

On Thursday 23 February 2017, I joined our READ to RISE team at Littlewood Primary School in Mitchells Plain. It was great to  meet our new Programme Facilitators Nur, Kercia and Rhondain action. It's always great to join a school visit, a reminder of the children we at READ to RISE are inspiring!

On Thursday evening, Athol had a 'A Life of Possibilities' talk at SASNEV in Pinelands. An inspirational evening.

On Friday 24 February, we launched our third class programme - Oaky the Brave Acorn - at Westville Primary School in Mitchells Plain. The Grade 2 learners got to meet Oaky in person! Athol read the story to the learners - it's a cute story about an acorn named Oaky who learns to be brave. The children loved their new books.

On Sunday 26 February, we flew up to JHB. Athol and Steve had their "Walk in Beauty" talk at the Johannesburg Country Club in the afternoon. It was a delightful afternoon of poetry. Steve launched his first book of poetry, proudly published by yours truly Theart Press :) Athol shared some of his new poems and also some from his latest book of poetry Bumper Cars. All sales from our books go directly to READ to RISE so that more children in need can get books.

On Tuesday 28 February, Athol spoke to staff at Old Mutual in Sandton about a life of possibilities. Athol was previously the Strategy Director of Old Mutual and I worked for Old Mutual as a strategy analyst for 4 years so it was nice to be back and see some familiar faces.

So a great trip back home to SA! Lovely to see family. Was also nice to get away for the Oxford winter and enjoy some sunshine :)