At the beginning of 2016, we were able to report on Hugo Tempelman’s great project to structurally develop the area around Elandsdoorn. In Bloempoort, another social hub was to be created in the rural Limpopo area based on the Elandsdoorn model. Hugo was able to inspire many international supporters for this project. In addition to the Hugo Tempelman Foundation and Energetix, BILD hilft e.V. “Ein Herz für Kinder” (A Heart for Children) also helped and pledged financial support. (See: https://hugo-tempelman-stiftung.de/ein-grosses-herz-fuer-kinder/)
The most important thing along the way: the water point. A borehole that gives people in the surrounding area free and fast access to clean drinking water. Shortly afterwards, in February, the foundation stone was laid for the new mini-campus (see: https://hugo-tempelman-stiftung.de/grundsteinlegung-des-neuen-mini-campus/)
The opening ceremony in October was a big celebration, which was also attended by the tribal chiefs of the surrounding area. (See: https://hugo-tempelman-stiftung.de/from-cradle-to-adulthood/)
And since then, as Hugo had planned, things have progressed at a rapid pace. The school facilities have been extremely popular, with 150 pupils attending classes at the computer school that opened in September this year. (See: https://hugo-tempelman-stiftung.de/eroeffnung-der-computerschule-in-bloempoort/)
And now, for weeks, preparations have been underway for another milestone in the history of the Bloempoort Mini Campus. The opening of the new Johan Cruyff sports pitch. Cruyff sports pitches are specially designed to meet the needs of youngsters in a different way to normal soccer pitches. The focus is on having fun and learning at the same time.
The Ndlovu team is working at full speed to prepare for the grand opening on November 25. Everyone helped. It is a difficult area on which the sports field was built, but now it shines in bright colors, friendly and well maintained.
In addition to the Cruyff sports field, a playground and sports field for the little ones has also been created directly on the campus. The Mini Campus is planted with trees as much as possible to provide shady spots. The Dutch volunteers currently working at Ndlovu suggested setting up a play area here, which will not only stimulate mental development, but can also be crucial for physical and social development. Each of the games is specifically recommended for the optimal development of young children by the Johan Cruyff Foundation. The children couldn’t get enough the first time they were allowed on this playground. Of course, there is also a mini soccer field for the little ones.
The students also collected enough donations to buy educational toys, which even delighted the supervisors.
The opening was a great event. Especially because the opening game was played by girls for the very first time. When the guests arrived, they were first taken on a grand tour of the grounds. Children in their new tracksuits played everywhere, the choir members in their costumes sang in the Chill Hub and the little preschoolers performed the national anthem.
The atmosphere was fantastic. Although it was raining that day, nobody let it spoil their mood. On the contrary, it was seen as a blessing. The day was filled with an atmosphere of gratitude anyway. The widow of Johan Cruyff, who was invited as a guest of honor, felt the same way.
