In 2014, the first two Graff Mobile Learning Centres were completed and on the road. Vehicle 1 was equipped as a mobile computer lab complete with laptops, tablets and a printer. A qualified teacher delivered computer skills training lessons to children and young adults from 10 farms.
Vehicle 2 was set up as a mobile library to enhance the children’s literacy development, and included board games and DVDs for families to borrow over weekends for entertainment. The mobile library was complemented by literacy tutors whom focused on basic reading skills for the younger children.
Since then, the library has expanded to include hand puppets to develop theatrical skills, verbal communication skills and self-confidence. FACET has also funded a mathematics tutoring programme, which currently reaches 329 children through a range of interactive, technological and traditional teaching methods. In 2018, a 96% success rate was achieved by the FACET learners in their end of year examination, proof indeed that the mathematics programme is highly effective. Weekend and holiday activities are provided for the children, which give them an opportunity to visit interesting locations such as museums, aquariums, beaches, the naval base, cinemas, nature park game drives and animal parks. Children also participate in weekend activities on the farms such as fashion shows, Valentine’s Day ball, Mother and Son lunch, sports days and leadership camps.
These activities not only reward good behaviour and attendance, they also introduce the children to the wider world and help to develop the social interactions that are required in a range of circumstances. After seeing the two vehicles in 2015, Mr Graff generously offered to fund an additional 3 vehicles to be able to reach a greater number of children in the area on a more regular basis.
