On Friday, 29 March, the Val de Vie Foundation hosted an inspiring guided community tour, spotlighting three remarkable beneficiaries: Franschhoek Hospitality Academy, the Elevation Programme, and Thuma Mina Teaching. These organisations are transforming lives by supporting less fortunate individuals within our communities through entrepreneurship, skills development, job readiness and accessible, high-quality education.
The tour began at Franschhoek Hospitality Academy (FHA), where Academy Head Jeremy Davids warmly welcomed attendees. FHA provides exceptional hospitality training and education to disadvantaged individuals in the Franschhoek Valley. With a mission to bridge opportunity gaps, FHA has seen over 115 graduates secure employment at prestigious local and international restaurants and hotels. Jeremy’s infectious passion for their work and students was a highlight, underscoring the Academy’s profound impact on the community.
Next, the tour visited the Elevation Programme’s graduation celebration, honouring women from Athlone House of Strength, a safe haven for abused women and children, who completed a transformative job readiness course. The morning was filled with heartfelt testimonials, as graduates shared how the programme had changed their lives, many earning their first-ever certificate. The joy and pride in their voices highlighted the programme’s role in building confidence and opening doors. The Elevation Programme continues to support these women by connecting them with meaningful employment opportunities.
The final stop was Thuma Mina Teaching, hosted at the Wellington home of founders Leopold and Silke van Veldon. Conceptualised during the COVID-19 pandemic to address the urgent need for quality home education, Thuma Mina Teaching offers free educational video lessons on YouTube, focusing on vulnerable communities. In 2024 alone, their content reached over 2.5 million views, with over 200,000 teachers and learners engaging with it—a testament to their vast impact. Now affiliated with the Western Cape Education Department, the organisation also provides teacher training to various local schools, along with activity books linked to their lessons, thanks to Oxford University Press, further enriching the learning experience.
The Val de Vie Foundation’s community tour showcased the power of collective action in uplifting those in need. From hospitality training to job readiness and innovative education, Franschhoek Hospitality Academy, the Elevation Programme and Thuma Mina Teaching are creating lasting change by elevating others.
