THE PROGRAMMES

Stellenbosch Gymnastics: This programme uses gymnastics to nurture self-awareness, self-respect and self-discipline among those who practice the sport and promote general mental and physical well-being.

The After Image Studio: The LAF’s visual arts initiative is a space where art sessions, workshops and courses enable community members and children to use art to develop self-awareness and a sense of well-being. In a safe and nurturing environment, they are supported to express themselves creatively to process their emotions and work through the difficulties they are experiencing.

The Crafter’s Corner: Our pottery studio facilitates weekly community classes for women residing on nearby farms. Here they create ceramics available for sale at various outlets in greater Stellenbosch. Additional weekly classes are open to the public: an opportunity to unleash your creativity and express yourself through clay. Classes can also be booked for groups (e.g., birthdays, team-building workshops, etc.). The Crafter’s Corner also offers clay mindfulness workshops which serve as a therapeutic tool for community members.

Mozart’s Balanced Riding: This programme offers vaulting – gymnastics on horseback – to children. This safe and exhilarating introduction to horses and horseriding has a multitude of therapeutic benefits. These include improvements in low muscle tone, concentration, coordination, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, mental handicaps, school performance and spatial awareness. As the children work with the horses and other kids, they hone empathy (as they are required to think about the safety of others) and learn how to take turns and offer each other support.

Flying Fitness Aerial Silks Studio: This programme is where community members (both children and adults) can experience aerial silks. Silks is commonly known as a circus artform where an aerial acrobat performs daring tricks hanging from two pieces of material draped from the ceiling. The studio has taught hundreds of people to climb, twist and invert their bodies in enchanting sequences. The programme improves self-esteem and reduces anxiety (it has been especially helpful in helping people to overcome their fear of heights). Aerial silks also aid upper-body and core strength, overall flexibility, and decompression of lower back and spine. Regular performances, which are not compulsory, offer a wonderful opportunity for students to present their skills and for the community to come together to cheer on participants. Practice sessions foster camaraderie and confidence among those who attend.