GOEDGEDACHT
TRUST
Riebeeksrivier
Malmesbury Area
Thursday 29th October '09
The Goedgedacht farm in the Malmesbury district
is a place that once you have visited, it
will remain etched on your mind for a while
to come.
Fifteen of us visited the farm on Thursday
29th October. First stop was the
crèche where the little children were
patiently sitting on the carpet while their
principal and Janet Perrott, the fund raiser
told us the background of this little
school. I last visited 2 years ago, and was
amazed to see how the school had grown. It
has grown in numbers, and the décor is much
changed. So nice to see a bright, cheery
place where these little farm children can
learn their alphabet. They are such a happy
group of children which was evident when
they did a little concert for the ladies.
Next stop was their new baby unit. What a treat to see how
this has developed. When last I visited
it was a bare shell – now it is a warm
loving place for the very smallest
children to be given love from very
dedicated staff.
From the Baby unit we all went up to the farm house and were
served hot tea/coffee and scones (delicious with
farm preserves and cream).
All too soon we were on the move again, this
time down to the Youth Centre.
This is where the school children come after
school – to do their homework, research, and
even wash their clothes for the next day. We
were introduced to the leaders and what
dedicated young group they are. We learned
about the POP (path out of Poverty programme)
and even about the safe houses where children
can feel safe over the weekends or school
holidays, in the event of problems at home.
We were delighted that we were able to give something to the
Youth Centre before we left. Carol had called
for donations of toiletries from members of the
Time Out Ladies Club and was able to give 50
stocked toiletry bags which we believe will come
in handy especially in that some of the children
are going away on their first-ever holiday!
Next stop was to the Olive Oil factory.
Even though at the time of our visit they were
not actually busy with the Olive Oil, the
factory manager was so enthused with his job and
his enthusiasm was infectious.
We then took a walk up the Olive Grove. At
Goedgedacht you can buy an olive tree in their
orchard for an amount of R300. This can then be
dedicated in the memory of a special person. The
trees then provide the farm with olives, which
in turn generates income for the farm.
There is a Dedication Wall which overlooks the
Olive Tree Orchard. What a peaceful place
this is, as I said over and over during our
visit to Goedgedacht. Absolute fabulous
idea to be remembered eternally and with an
added purpose of helping such dedicated people
on Goedgedacht!
A stunning buffet lunch had meanwhile been laid out for us
and everyone tucked into lamb, roast potatoes,
vegetables, followed by dessert. An absolute
treat in fabulous surroundings!
Life is not measured by the
number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take
our breath away.
