School holidays

I returned home yesterday afternoon after spending a day in Riviersonderend (where Jazmin Patchwork & Quilting had been invited to the local guild’s monthly meeting) to find that our granddaughter had spent the day with nanny developing her arts of sewing and patchwork!

We both believe that youngsters need to be encouraged to develop useful skills, skills that will keep them busy and focused and provide an artistic oulet for their minds. Of course, not all kids are ‘that way inclined’, but, if you are looking after kids during school holidays or whenever, why not ask at your local quilting guild, art or craft shop or even schools, to see if there are any projects or courses available? The alternative? Kids under your feet, getting up to mischief, sitting in front of the TV or playing computer games - generally, wasting their time and getting bored.

We know that it’s not always that easy. When we first moved to Gordon’s Bay over 2 years ago we started fundraising for Patch, a local charity working with kids. Through this work, we met with lots of local primary school teachers. Jazmin, being a qualified Interior Designer and with lots of sewing skills decided to offer her time to teach kids to sew - a sort of children’s outreach! She approached 5 schools who were working closely with Patch and offered to donate her time and materials so that kids would have something to learn and something to do, especially during school holidays. The reaction of the teachers approached was shocking! Very negative and of no help whatsover!

Those of you who don’t have kids to look after may nonetheless wish to start something like this in your own community or generally volunteer for charitable work - but be careful. You might find yourself becoming frustrated and disillusioned with negativity or lack of pace - its sometimes a difficult road to travel. But persevere because in the end, whether its for your kids or grandkids, or for kids in the community, it can be a very worthwhile and satisfying experience!