I am Robert..

Robert has a passion for researching, presenting & implementing ecologically sound landscaping & lifestyle design solutions.

His qualification in Horticulture (ND Hort -1997) and many years of experience in landscaping and as a nurseryman, was completely transformed following a Permaculture Design Course – PDC – 2013.

He has consulted and is working in collaboration with local and international dryland regenerative specialists, developing communal land in Barrydale, Western Cape, and has designed various education & training modules related to his passion and calling.

With a clean slate, and literally terraforming from slate, Robert has seen an oasis with wonderful, cooperative gardening & education opportunities for the children/students, and all being involved at the Bright Haven school premises.

Robert will be starting in the new school term during July 2026, following a simple, self-informing Permaculture design and education process. This approach leads to various inspirational and practical projects, embracing interactive learning exercises while immersing children in the therapeutic qualities of nature and providing an integrated and grounded educational experience. In doing so, it fosters a sense of coherence, permanence, and culture, all of which are integral to the permaculture vision.

DEFINTION:

Permaculture is a conscious approach to land management and settlement design, that adopts arrangements observed in flourishing natural ecosystems. It includes a set of design principles derived, using whole-systems thinking and applies these principles in fields, such as regenerative agriculture, town planning, rewilding, and community resilience. The term was coined in 1970’s by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren, who formulated the concept as an alternative to modern industrialized methods, instead adopting a more traditional or “natural” approach to agriculture.

I am Gordon..

Gordon Aeschliman, whose name might be tricky to pronounce but whose passion for service is unmistakable, is joining the Bright Haven Barrydale team. With a journey spanning over 40 countries, Gordon has worked in refugee camps, war zones, and bustling urban environments, always driven by a single question: “How can we uplift the most vulnerable members of our global family?”

Throughout his remarkable career, Gordon has trained peace-building teams, developed urban food programs, led youth initiatives, and even directed an environmental jungle preserve in Central America. Now retired and living in Barrydale with his wife Michelle, he is actively leading the BarryVille Charity Food Farm, ensuring the community’s children and elderly have access to nutritious food. Additionally, Gordon is dedicated to honoring and renewing Barrydale’s rich ancestral heritage.

Gordon is eager to share his vast knowledge with the children of Bright Haven, and his involvement promises to make the curriculum both exciting and educational. We are thrilled to embark on this inspiring journey of learning and discovery with him!

I am Kaylee..

I am a 33-year-old resident of Barrydale and a proud mother of two daughters. I have received training through CAP as a care worker, facilitator, and coordinator, with a focus on supporting children with learning difficulties. Prior to joining Bright Haven, I worked at Barrydale High School.

At Bright Haven, I am currently training as a yoga teacher and work closely with our group of 12 boys in the daily skills development programme. I am deeply passionate about guiding and empowering children with learning challenges, especially boys, helping them gain the skills and confidence they need to shape a positive future for themselves.

I am Simmy..

I am a 31-year-old resident of Barrydale with a deep passion for working with children. As a certified Early Childhood Development (ECD) teacher and a devoted mother, I bring warmth, creativity, and care into every aspect of my work. My Christian values guide and inspire my approach, fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for the children in my care.

Before joining Bright Haven, I worked at Weltevreden Primary, a local farm school. At Bright Haven, I actively support all daily activities and am specifically responsible for delivering additional lessons in reading, writing, and mathematics each day, helping learners reach their fullest potential.

I am Johanna..

Johanna is a retired teacher from our local school who is helping Bright Haven to distribute food in the nutrition and wellbeing program to our most vulnerable local families.

I am Cillie..

Our weekly feeding program has
expanded with Cillie, a local resident, piloting a koskombuis at her house.