In 2022, our Director, Janna Kretzmar, was honoured with the prestigious Fairlady X Santam Woman of the Future Social Entrepreneur Award. Alongside the recognition, this award came with prize money. Janna, always thinking of ways to give back to the community and her dedicated team, decided to use this prize money for an Earthchild Project Team Retreat – the first of it’s kind.
The retreat was a splendid 3-day experience at Mont Fleur Conference Centre in Stellenbosch, hosted by the wonderful yogi and sound healer, Janet, owner of Janet’s Planet – Yoga, Wellness Retreats and Sound Healing. Our team enjoyed private heated rooms to warm up the Cape winter, complete with electric blankets, ensuring a homely feel. Each day offered the cosy comfort of roaring fires, perfect for relaxation, reading a book, or playing many a heated game of 30 seconds!
We kicked off the retreat with healthy welcome snacks, teas, and coffees, followed by a gentle intention-setting session in the beautiful shala room overlooking the rainy mountains. Our daily routine included peaceful yoga practice, meditation, and sound healing sessions, which left us feeling rejuvenated and centred.
During our free time, we explored the breathtaking mountains, took refreshing dips in the icy pool, and relaxed in the soothing sauna. The meals were a highlight – incredibly delicious, hearty, healthy, and warming. We spent our evenings playing games, singing, and dancing, cultivating a sense of connection that we don’t often get to feel outside of the work space.
One of the most impactful experiences was our digital detox. We set aside our phones and embraced a morning of silence, allowing for deep personal reflection. This time of quietness helped us connect deeply with ourselves and each other.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Janet, Brigit and her entire Mont Fleur team for their exceptional hospitality and for catering to our every need. Special thanks to our Director, Janna, for sharing this rejuvenating and meaningful experience with us. Her generosity and vision made this retreat possible, and it was a profound reminder of the importance of self-care and community.
We returned from Mont Fleur with renewed energy, deeper connections, and a shared sense of purpose, ready to continue our work with Earthchild Project, inspired and revitalised.
