Last week, we had the privilege to peek behind the Green Door in Jamestown when we handed over twenty care packs donated to the project by Santam and Ranyaka in collaboration with an anonymous donor. What we discovered behind the green door was an unexpected treasure trove…
The name is not merely a metaphor. A brightly painted green door in Jamestown in the Western Cape swings open to reveal a slice of paradise.
Cosy couches invite fellowship and conversation. Inspiring quotes are scattered against the walls. Detailed decorative touches in nooks and crannies throughout the garden are simply waiting to be explored and enjoyed. Around every corner awaits a creative space, a quiet space and finally, at the top of the pathway, a space filled with laughter where children are jumping on three large trampolines!
This is more than a function venue and a R5 gift shop. This is a place of hope.
The Green Door Project
The Green Door Project offers high-risk grade one to seven learners a brighter and hope-filled future. Here, founder Chanene van As, her family and her team of volunteers have created a safe haven. Every afternoon from 14:00 to 17:00, a group of learners gather to discover their unique talents and learn how they can make a positive contribution to their community.
The vision
The Green Door Project strives to promote literacy, numeracy, creativity and environmental awareness within the Jamestown community. The children of Jamestown have a part to play in developing a safe and healthy community – and behind the green door is where they often first discover their immense potential.
Literacy and numeracy
The Green Door Learning Support Centre assists learners with reading, spelling in Afrikaans and English, maths and homework. Here, volunteers help learners to prepare for tests and exams.
Creativity
Encouraging creativity is one of the three pillars of the Green Door Project model. Every Thursday from 15:00 to 17:00, the children participate in a wide variety of creative activities at the Rupert museum. As they create, the children discover their giftings and talents.
Go Green Project
The Go Green programme teaches learners the importance of recycling and re-use. They are taught to see recycled items in a new light – to look beyond mere pieces of plastic, glass, cans or cardboard and to see the potential they hold to create something from nothing.
Get involved
Chanene and her family have been living in Jamestown for 14 years – opening their home and their hearts to fulfil their God-given calling. If you would like to get involved or make a contribution towards the work being done by the Green Door Project, contact Chanene on 082 890 8616. You can also follow them on Facebook.
The donation of care packs is part of Ranyaka’s People Care and Development programme. Thank you to Santam and our anonymous donor for your generous gifts!
Ranyaka’s work in Jamestown and 11 other communities across South Africa is made possible by Nedbank. The Ranyaka Collaborative Community Development model currently drives Nedbank’s national Proud of my Town initiative, for which Ranyaka is also the implementing agent. Read more about Proud of my Town.