The library gets a winter clean!

With the new school term and the sad passing of our principal Mr Coert, GCU have been making a big push to spring clean the library and get it ready for its first class on Monday morning. As many of you remember the library went through a big change at the end of 2011, and whilst GCU have been utilizing the space for its educational programs it is only until now that we are able to fully open the doors to every child in Woodlands Primary.

We have 3 ladies to thank for this, Mrs Van Nikerk, Mrs Safter and Mrs Lombard. Three mums from the community have now been employed by GCU to assist us in making sure this library is in full swing. This week the ladies and my-self have been cleaning shelves, organizing books, displaying books and making the library fit for purpose for Monday morning. On the 8^th August we will officially have an opening with red ribbon, scissor and a cake to mark the occasion. Watch this space as we will update you on the progress of this exciting project and how our children respond to this new space and the stories we intend to tell.

By Jennifer Pickett

Before and after

This week we experienced a lot of fun while beautifying the tutoring class room

It was not only a joyous encounter for us but for the kids as well, we as GCU coaches felt that it was a privilege to be involved in such a project and there was a sense of positive energy and the willingness to do more than what was expected regarding the room.

Monday morning we started bright and early clearing things and cleaning the room, while doing those duties we could feel a unbelievable energy towards the room and the project. With everyone bringing and doing their bit towards the classroom there was a sense of joy and happiness looming in the classroom.

The GCU team combined all their abilities and worked as a unit to redecorate the tutoring room. Decorating the room was seriously fun and everyone that helped had an awesome time, truly this week was a blast even the kids gave a helping hand and its moments like these that we should cherish and appreciate.

The classroom looks brighter and better than ever and redecorating the room was a real blast because personally we enjoyed every moment redecorating the classroom.

We got so many positive comments and compliments regarding the room and eventually all our hard work payed off, the classroom really looks good and I am proud to be apart of GCU and this programme as we continue to go forward in faith GOD BLESS.  

US volunteer give coaches some basic first aid!

'My name is Tressa and I spent one week with the GCU staff.  I study sports medicine in the US at Ohio State University.  I had the honor of being able to share some of my knowledge of sports medicine and first aid with the coaches at GCU.  Although I only spent one hour a day with the guys, I quickly fell in love with the generous atmosphere.  The coaches are wholeheartedly invested in the mission to passively attack crime through mentorship and passion for the game of football.  As well as being determined to attain their goals, the coaches are hilarious and have been the most fun group of coaches that I have gotten a chance to work with.  I am appreciative of my experience with the GCU staff and hope to continue working with them in some way back in the states.  Thank you, GCU!!'

By Tressa
US Volunteer












GCU would like to thank Tressa for all her work this past week and wishes her luck in the rest of her stay in Cape Town and her studies.

Sports Day

The day started off as an ordinary day and turned out an amazing day. Thee kids were so exicited for the sports day.

We had kids from grades R to 3 because they are foundation phase of the school, we thought it would be best to seperate them from the older age group.

The smaller kids  always have the most energy in everything they do because they are just so excited running and jumping everywhere. That in its self is a blessing for the coaches of GCU who were as excited to be apart of the sports day with the kids who were eager to play soccer, cricket and three sticks and might I say that we have some extrodanary talent amongst these young ones.

Next was the turn of the senior group of the school who were as energetic as the younger group. They ran straight to the soccer and cricket balls. One thing that I've noticed is that the older group tend to love football more than any other sport. To them its much more than just a game but a passion.

Both groups were just amazing. We continue to go forward in faith. God bless!