Our Projects
NURTURE | EMPOWER | INSPIRE
Projects and Programmes
EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
Personal, Leadership and Change Readiness Programme for Early Childhood Development Practitioners
In 2025, the Pool Family Trust, in partnership with MoreThanMeerAs NPC, launched a 12-month Personal, Leadership and Change Readiness Programme for Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioners in the Breede Valley. The programme was designed to support and empower ECD practitioners who serve vulnerable children and families within their communities.
Recognising the critical role that ECD practitioners play in shaping early learning environments and long-term developmental outcomes, the initiative focused on strengthening personal capacity, leadership skills, and readiness to navigate change within the sector. Through structured capacity-building and reflective learning, participants were supported to grow in confidence, resilience, and professional effectiveness.
The programme created a supportive and courageous learning space where practitioners could develop both personally and professionally. By investing in the wellbeing and leadership of ECD practitioners, the Pool Family Trust aims to strengthen early childhood services and bring sustainable, positive change for children and communities across the Breede Valley.
ECD Ecosystem
The Pool Family Trust believes that every young child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and that this begins with strong families, caring communities, and quality early childhood development. As we explored how best to support the Worcester ECD sector, we listened carefully to those already doing the work. Through our participation in the First Thousand Days Forum and conversations with members of the ECD Practitioners Alumni Group, one message came through clearly: the Worcester ECD community is strongest when organisations work together.
For this reason, we have chosen to partner with and strengthen organisations that are already making a meaningful difference in the local ECD ecosystem, including the Do More Foundation, Inceba Trust, Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness and other valued partners. Rather than adding another partner, we’ll support and build on the relationships, knowledge, and experience that already exist.
We are mindful that ECD practitioners invest their time and energy in caring for young children while engaging with multiple organisations. By working alongside established partners, we hope to reduce duplication, make the best use of available resources, and contribute to a more connected and supportive environment for practitioners.
Our commitment is to collaboration, not complexity. By strengthening the local ECD ecosystem together, we can help create lasting opportunities for children and families to flourish, while supporting the dedicated practitioners whose work lays the foundation for a brighter future.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Entrepreneurship Academy
Recognising the importance of equipping young people with the skills and mindset needed to create sustainable opportunities for themselves and their communities, the Pool Family Trust launched a focused entrepreneurship initiative in 2025.
In partnership with Access Network Africa, the Trust introduced a 12-month Entrepreneurship Academy for high school learners from the Breede Valley. The programme aimed to equip young people with entrepreneurial and leadership skills, nurturing their ability to identify opportunities, innovate, and contribute to their communities.
Through a blend of theoretical learning, practical application and real-world business experience, learners developed confidence, creativity and problem-solving capabilities.
The Academy fostered a supportive and inspiring space where youth could explore ideas, develop solutions to local challenges, and cultivate the skills and mindset to become future leaders and change-makers.
Entrepreneur Development Program
The Pool Family Trust Entrepreneur Development Program is a comprehensive 12-month initiative designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their business journey — from early-stage start-ups to established enterprises seeking growth and sustainability. Through a personalised and practical approach, the program combines one-on-one mentoring, group learning sessions, peer collaboration, and real-world business exposure to help participants strengthen their leadership, financial, operational, and strategic capabilities.
Each entrepreneur undergoes a detailed profiling and diagnostic process to identify their unique strengths, challenges, and growth opportunities, enabling the development of an individualised Entrepreneur Development Plan tailored to their needs and goals.
Rooted in the Trust’s commitment to long-term economic empowerment and ecosystem development, the program actively connects entrepreneurs with local businesses, industry networks, funding opportunities, incubators, and market access platforms. Participants benefit from ongoing mentorship, structured capability-building workshops, and facilitated introductions to external opportunities that can accelerate business growth and sustainability.
By focusing on practical engagement, relationship-building, and measurable outcomes, the program aims to cultivate resilient, growth-ready entrepreneurs who contribute meaningfully to local economic development while strengthening a collaborative and supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem for future generations.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Personal, Leadership and Change Readiness Programme for NPO Leaders
In 2025, the Pool Family Trust, in partnership with MoreThanMeerAs NPC, launched a 12-month Personal, Leadership and Change Readiness Programme to support and strengthen non-profit organisation (NPO) leaders in the Breede Valley. The initiative was developed in response to the increasing complexity and constant change facing the social development sector, recognising that resilient and well-equipped leadership is essential for sustainable community impact.
The programme focused on building the personal capacity, leadership capability, and adaptive readiness of participating NPO leaders. Through structured learning, reflection, and peer engagement, participants were supported to strengthen their resilience, enhance organisational effectiveness, and lead with greater confidence in uncertain environments.
By fostering growth, innovation, and collaborative learning, the programme created a supportive and courageous space where leaders could develop both personally and professionally. Ultimately, the initiative aimed to strengthen the long-term sustainability of local organisations while enabling leaders to expand and deepen their impact within the communities they serve.
ENTREPRENEUR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Pool Family Trust Entrepreneur Development Program is a comprehensive 12-month initiative designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their business journey — from early-stage start-ups to established enterprises seeking growth and sustainability. Through a personalised and practical approach, the program combines one-on-one mentoring, group learning sessions, peer collaboration, and real-world business exposure to help participants strengthen their leadership, financial, operational, and strategic capabilities.
Each entrepreneur undergoes a detailed profiling and diagnostic process to identify their unique strengths, challenges, and growth opportunities, enabling the development of an individualised Entrepreneur Development Plan tailored to their needs and goals.
Rooted in the Trust’s commitment to long-term economic empowerment and ecosystem development, the program actively connects entrepreneurs with local businesses, industry networks, funding opportunities, incubators, and market access platforms. Participants benefit from ongoing mentorship, structured capability-building workshops, and facilitated introductions to external opportunities that can accelerate business growth and sustainability.
By focusing on practical engagement, relationship-building, and measurable outcomes, the program aims to cultivate resilient, growth-ready entrepreneurs who contribute meaningfully to local economic development while strengthening a collaborative and supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem for future generations.
In 2025, the Pool Family Trust, in partnership with MoreThanMeerAs NPC, launched a 12-month Personal, Leadership and Change Readiness Programme to support and strengthen non-profit organisation (NPO) leaders in the Breede Valley. The initiative was developed in response to the increasing complexity and constant change facing the social development sector, recognising that resilient and well-equipped leadership is essential for sustainable community impact.
The programme focused on building the personal capacity, leadership capability, and adaptive readiness of participating NPO leaders. Through structured learning, reflection, and peer engagement, participants were supported to strengthen their resilience, enhance organisational effectiveness, and lead with greater confidence in uncertain environments.
By fostering growth, innovation, and collaborative learning, the programme created a supportive and courageous space where leaders could develop both personally and professionally. Ultimately, the initiative aimed to strengthen the long-term sustainability of local organisations while enabling leaders to expand and deepen their impact within the communities they serve.
Address: 24 Field Street, Worcester, Western Cape, 6850
Telephone: 082 078 8875
Email: info@poolfamilytrust.org.za
Trust registration number: IT002028/2023(C)
PBO Reference Number: 930092279
NPO registration: Pending
Address: 24 Field Street, Worcester, Western Cape, 6850
Telephone: 082 078 8875
Email: info@poolfamilytrust.org.za
Trust registration number: IT002028/2023(C)
PBO Reference Number: 930092279
NPO registration: Pending