Community Involvement

drying handmade paper The Flower Valley Community busies itself at work, school, and play in the Fynbos. Like the Cape Floral Kingdom in which they live, they are unique. They are determined to bring together the conservation of the Fynbos, the need to derive an income from this natural resource and the dream of a healthy rural community.

On any given day you will find…
· An array of local flowers and greens being expertly twirled into protea bouquets for export,
· or young children at the Early Learning Centre marvelling over a multi coloured bug - learning why we need these insects to pollinate the wild geraniums,
· or rows of brightly coloured sheets of handmade fynbos paper drying in the sun.

EVERYONE PLAYS A ROLE
Due to the holistic nature of our mission, every person's contribution and role in the community is recognised as equally important. From the flower pickers to the paper makers, the teachers to the project managers, each person plays a unique role in fulfilling the vision of integrating business, conservation and community development. The Community Forum consists of elected representatives from every component of the project. Through this forum issues are identified and addressed, needs are met, and the community plays a role in the decision making process.

A thriving community garden keeps the farm supplied with fresh vegetables and the community gardeners are learning how to apply organic principles.

Many members of the Flower Valley community have expressed a great love for music and dance. It is for this reason that the development of a Community Arts Programme in which theatre, music and dance is used to address social and environmental issues in the local community is also on the list of future initiatives.

EARLY LEARNING CENTRE
Flower Valley has a Learning Centre for the young children of our rural community. The unique natural environment of the valley provides us with an opportunity to use our 'outdoor classroom' as a valuable point of learning.

Three local women are going through a comprehensive training programme that includes external and in-service training in Early Childhood Development, Aftercare and Educational Support of primary school children. Working with the community it is our aim to meet the needs of the children, and promote quality education.

Environmental awareness and practice is integrated throughout the curriculum. Recycled materials are used in everyday activities and a multi-cultural atmosphere pervades the playground. Having established an Early Learning Forum, we are working with other children's centres in our area to encourage eco-oriented education and the appreciation and care of the incredible floral kingdom in which we live.

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