EARTH Centre set to resume physical lessons
One non-profit organisation that has found ways to survive is the EARTH Centre in Ruimsig.
As government eases its lockdown regulations, a number of organisations have been trying to get back on their feet despite the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. One non-profit organisation that has found ways to survive is the EARTH Centre in Ruimsig.
The Ruimsig-based organisation offers equine therapy for children living with disabilities. As these activities require physical contact, the instructors could not continue with the therapy. However, technology enabled The EARTH Centre’s instructors to compile ‘virtual riding lessons’ comprising fun activities and exercises that can be done at home by using household items. These were sent out each week via WhatsApp and email to as many riders the centre could reach.
These lessons were aimed at the following:
- Helping maintain muscle and core strength as well as the physical and mental improvements already achieved.
- Helping children that had created emotional bonds with instructors and horses to integrate back into lessons easily once resumed.
- Providing parents, who may well have been overwhelmed, with alternative activities for their children.
However, the centre also mentioned that it has started to resume physical lessons for children whose parents are able to get them to the centre amid the Level 3 lockdown regulations.
Another setback for The EARTH Centre was the fact that it had reached an agreement to postpone its Golf Day to next year. With the current situation, they are also not sure if their upcoming ‘Drumming with the Herd’ in September will take place. But the centre promises to confirm closer to the date.
To support the EARTH Centre, contact Julia Morris by sending an email to fundraising@earthcentre.org.za.
