The third term is always a period of great excitement at the Spirit Foundation Early Childhood Development (ECD) Programme. A term jam packed full of events and activities for our learners to look forward to.
On 18 July, the Spirit Foundation ECD Programme joined the rest of the country in celebrating Mandela Day. Traditionally, organisations will take 67 minutes out of their day to make a difference, and the team from Van Loveren Wines did just that by sponsoring all the materials necessary for a Sandpit Project and visiting our two ECD campuses on Mandela Day to lend a hand in the construction of seven new sandpits for our learners to enjoy.
Spirit Foundation ECD Programme hosted a successful school concert on 25 July. Our theme was ‘In the Jungle’, and each class chose one animal to represent. The learners practised their dances and poems for weeks in anticipation of the big event, and they did not disappoint! With over 350 parents and family members in attendance, the concert was a huge success and our learners had a wonderful time performing for them all. I wonder what the theme will be next year?
Every two to three weeks, our learners cover a new theme. In July, we learn about winter. In celebration of this theme, we host our annual Pyjama Day. Learners and staff get to come to school in their cosy winter pyjamas and enjoy a day of stories, movies, hot chocolate and freshly popped popcorn. Pyjama Day in particular is a favourite among all the Spirit Foundation ECD Programme staff members.
Another noteworthy theme that our learners explore in the third term is ‘People Who Help Us’. With this theme comes our annual Career Day which is the absolute highlight of the year for our little learners. Career Day is an opportunity for local professionals to come and visit our ECD campuses and teach our learners about what they do for a living, and all the ways the work they do helps others.
Career Day is a vital opportunity to broaden our learners’ horizons and get them dreaming big! The learners come to school dressed up in the uniform of their chosen profession and have the opportunity to engage firsthand with their heroes. This year we had the privilege of having Bonnievale SAPS, Langeberg Fire Department, Langeberg Emergency Medical Services, Langeberg Traffic Department, Nurse Liebenberg, and SEEFF Bonnievale come to visit us.
Career Day is the perfect platform to ignite a spark in each and every one of our learners, making them curious about the world around them, and to give them hope for a bright future. At the Spirit Foundation ECD Programme, we believe that our learners are capable of great things through education, dedication, and lots of care!
You too can make a difference to a Spirit ECD child today! This year we are launching our new Spirit Shoebox Initiative to bring a little happiness and joy to our ECD children and would love you to join us in brightening the lives of children in Bonnievale, one box at a time, one child at a time.
Join our Spirit of Giving Campaign by donating a shoebox filled with love, hope and essentials for the learners at Spirit Foundation ECD.
Many children begin their education journey without the correct resources and tools needed to thrive and learn. This gesture of kindness will provide every child at Spirit Foundation ECD with a head start in their journey for 2026.
How can you support:
Make a donation on our website (https://spiritf.org/donation/) to the value of R800 and we will fill the box for you. Please use the reference ‘Spirit shoebox’.
Should you wish to fill a box yourself, please choose from the list of essential items below. Spirit Shoeboxes may be pledged by individual donors, families, teams or companies.
Alternatively, order the items on Checkers sixty 60 for delivery to our address and we will personally fill your box. Our address is Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate – ERF12995 Spaanschemat River Rd, Fir Grove, Cape Town, 7806. The driver should ask for the Spirit Foundation offices.
Educational Supplies
Toy or Comfort Item
Non-perishable Snacks
For further details, please email Saskia Wiese saskia@spiritef.org or Bianca Johanson Bianca@spiritf.org and we will assist with any information required.
Thank you!
The third quarter was marked by energy, growth, and meaningful connection. From celebrating women in our community, to engaging scholars in service and welcoming the 2026 Spirit Education Foundation scholar families, Q3 reflected the heart of our mission: nurturing scholars to grow in belonging, independence, generosity, and mastery.
In anticipation of Women’s Month, the July holiday saw the programme’s first Women’s Empowerment Day, hosted at RISE Studios in Bergvliet. This pilot event created a safe, energising space for young women in our SF high school community to gather, share experiences, and celebrate strength. Scholars enjoyed taking part in a movement workout, listening to an insightful session from Dr Tracy Flowers on hormones, mental health, and caring for the female body, and hearing from powerful female alumni who have walked a similar journey and have gone on to achieve exceptional things beyond high school. The day was a resounding success, and we are excited to see it grow into an annual tradition.
This term also saw the pilot of our Education Support Programme at SIFA, offering tutoring to SF scholars who are part of the football academy. Once a week, after school, scholars receive a snack before focusing on Mathematics, English, and Afrikaans support. As test week approaches, these sessions will also place emphasis on effective test preparation, note-taking, and summarising — equipping scholars with both knowledge and academic skills to succeed.
A key focus of Q3 was community service in honour of Mandela Day. Our scholars went above and beyond, embodying one of the Spirit Foundation’s core values: Generosity. From extending ongoing projects such as building community libraries to initiating food schemes from their homes, scholars displayed leadership, compassion, and initiative. Many have chosen to continue these projects beyond July, deepening their impact within their communities.
The quarter concluded with Orientation Day in early September – a highlight for the team every year. This joyful event marks the first welcome for our 2026 scholars and their families. From family icebreaker games and music to an information session, lawn games and a picnic, Orientation Day was filled with connection, laughter, and new beginnings. It was a day of first connections between new families and the SF team, setting the stage for the official welcome of our new scholars at Registration Day in December.
Spirit Foundation’s newest sporting initiative, the Spirit International Football Academy (SIFA), has made remarkable strides in its first six months. The goal is to establish four competitive teams by October. The academy has already hosted the inaugural SIFA Cup — an event that showcased talent, structure, and palpable energy from the community and participating teams.
Under the leadership of Head of Football Operations, Bryce Lenders, SIFA is focused on holistic development. In addition to weekly trials and tactical training, the academy offers tutoring, study support, sports psychology, and mentorship — ensuring that each player grows as a person, not just as an athlete. Community outreach has already begun at primary schools in Kensington and Langa, laying the groundwork for long-term relationships and a sustainable footprint.
“We strive to build a sustainable, local, organic and whole environment — not just for players, but also for coaches, parents, and communities,” says Lenders.
The boys are in full swing participating in matches and remain unbeaten in the league thus far. Training sessions have intensified; more information has been delivered by the coaches and a competitive environment has been created by the players as they develop. Indeed, they are emerging not only as talented players but also well-rounded scholars in the classroom.
The Q3 results speak for themselves:
SIFA u/15 vs Reddam Constantia: 6 – 1 W
SIFA u/17 vs Reddam Constantia: 2 – 0 W
SIFA u/15 vs Curro Delft: 5 – 0 W
SIFA u/15 vs Mandela High: 4 – 3 W
SIFA u/17 vs Mandela High: 5 – 0 W
SIFA U/15 vs Gunyacroph Board Team: 1 – 0 W
Most encouragingly, the boys are really starting to find the balance between football and their academics. They have demonstrated commendable enthusiasm in learning new languages at school such as Mandarin and even presented their Mandarin orals to their respective coaches out of confidence and passion. In a welcome development, the boys have enhanced their weekly schedule by having extra tutoring on Wednesdays, provided by the SEF staff to ensure our boys maintain their academic excellence in the classroom.
Now, fast forward to the SEF/SIFA Orientation where SIFA welcomed five new editions to the SIFA Family. The Coaches have spent countless hours identifying players who not only meet the football criteria, but equally, the academic criteria. The five scholars have gone through the SIFA assessment and SEF testing process, meeting all the requirements. Our new team members are incredibly excited to join the current scholars and have already started integrating with the existing SIFA scholars by joining training sessions and playing in matches.
The SIFA programme continues to grow steadily as the Coaches, Spirit Education Foundation staff and SIFA scholars gear up for the remainder of the year to make a positive impact amongst each other and every environment they step into.
Across rugby fields and football pitches in the Western Cape, Spirit Foundation’s community partnerships are proving that sport is far more than competition — it is a catalyst for connection, growth, and transformation. From Hermanus to Masiphumelele, and now through a structured football academy in Cape Town, the Spirit Foundation’s sporting initiatives are helping shape the next generation of athletes and leaders.
© 2025 Spirit Foundation. All rights reserved. | Disclaimer | PAIA | Privacy Policy
