It’s hard to believe that we are almost through the first month of 2017, while some of us feel like we were still getting used to writing 2016 in our diaries! What with technology and social media, things sure do seem to be speeding up. It’s at times like these that we need to remind ourselves to take a step back, take a deep breath in, and just be present in the moment. And to welcome the possibilities for the new year ahead.

2016 saw many changes at ECP, with our team expanding by and additional two new members, and our offices moving from the hub of Garden’s to the flow of Muizenberg. This year we embrace even more growth as we welcome our new Gap Year interns – Zee, Ongie and Anita – three lovely young ECP Alumni from Khayelitsha. We look forward to the light and energy that they will be bringing to our team.

This year we are eager to continue our work in 8 schools in the Western Cape, namely Ikhusi, Ntwasahlobo, Sakumlandela and Yomelela  Primary Schools in Khayelitsha, as well as Levana, Hillwood, Harmony and Prince George Primary Schools in Lavender Hill, where we proudly cultivate and nurture the lives of over 3 200 young Earthchildren. In total, our weekly programmes include;

• 16 extra murals
• 117 living classrooms including yoga and worm farming
• 2 hiking clubs joined by 40 children

We are so proud of the impact that our facilitators, interns and volunteers are creating and we hope to make even more of an impression this year as we move into our second decade of operation and transformation.

2017 holds many exciting opportunities – we look forward to SpiritFest Africa which will be held in Citrusdal in March, our first School’s Holiday Programme in April, our second Teacher’s Wellness Convention that will be held in May, International Day of Yoga on 21 June, and a variety of wonderful events and activities throughout the year. And we hope that you will enjoy being a part of the beautiful journey with us.

 Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect. -Alan Cohen