KuCoNa Create and Connect Centre

03/06/2026

A review of recent Build STEM models at KuCoNa:

Our young builders at KuCoNa have been having great fun while developing engineering, problem-solving and creative thinking skills through hands-on STEM activities.

In the Carousel Build, children explored gears and gear transmissions while constructing their own spinning carousels. They were encouraged to think creatively, adding their own unique designs, improving stability and finding innovative ways to make their models even better.

In the Pirate Ship Ride Build, children created models inspired by the swinging amusement park ride. As they connected moving parts and brought their pirate ships to life, they developed fine motor skills, focus, patience and perseverance.

Both activities encouraged teamwork, creativity, problem-solving and a willingness to experiment, learn and have fun.

Thank you to Build STEM for providing learning experiences that make science, technology, engineering and mathematics practical, exciting and enjoyable for our young learners at KuCoNa. 😊

03/06/2026

Covie Entrepreneurs Celebrate Successful First Market Day!

The first batch of chickens from Covie Plaas Japies (Pty) Ltd went to market on Saturday, and all 70 chickens were sold within just one hour.

The project forms part of a KuCoNa entrepreneurial training initiative where participants are gaining practical experience in poultry production, enterprise development and small business management.

KuCoNa has now begun purchasing chickens from Covie Plaas Japies (Pty) Ltd for meals served during our children's afternoon activities and programmes.

If you would like to place an order and support this local enterprise, please contact KuCoNa Create & Connect Centre.

- Live chickens: R100 per bird
- Cleaned chickens: R80 per kg

A sincere thank you to Crags in Beweging for supporting this entrepreneurial training initiative in Covie and helping create opportunities for local enterprise development, skills building and income generation.

Congratulations to the team at Covie Plaas Japies (Pty) Ltd on a successful first market day! We look forward to following the continued growth of the project.

03/06/2026

Discover the Power of Gut Health and Fermented Foods at KuCoNa!

Join us for a practical and interactive Dairy Fermentation Workshop facilitated by Janet and Anastasia from Nature's Valley, who bring expertise in both gut health and psychology.

This hands-on workshop will explore the fascinating connection between the gut and the brain, and how the health of our digestive system influences our overall wellbeing, mood and resilience.

Participants will learn:
✅ Why fermented foods are important for gut health
✅ The history of dairy fermentation in Africa
✅ What kefir is and how it differs from amasi
✅ The health benefits of kefir
✅ How to make your own kefir at home
✅ Practical tips for producing fermented foods safely

The workshop also has an entrepreneurial focus, exploring how products such as kefir and other fermented foods can potentially be produced on a small scale for household use or income generation.

This is a practical, hands-on masterclass where participants will work directly with kefir grains and learn the fermentation process step by step. Each participant will leave with a starter kit and the knowledge needed to continue making kefir at home.

-Saturday, 13 June
-10:00 – 11:30
- KuCoNa Create & Connect Centre, Kurland Village

⚠️ Only 10 spaces are available.

To book your place, WhatsApp Angelique on 061 738 4081 or book directly at the KuCoNa Create & Connect Centre.

We look forward to learning, creating and exploring healthy and sustainable food traditions together. 🌱🥛

03/06/2026

There was lots of laughter, conversation and birthday cheer at KuCoNa yesterday morning as Elderly United group celebrated the birthdays of their members born in the month of May.

Each month we host a special birthday gathering where our elders can enjoy cake, friendship and a chance to celebrate another year of life together.

Happy birthday Aunt Florence Lungu 🩷and Aunt Maria Roman🩷 !! May the year ahead bring good health, happiness and many special moments! 💚🥳

03/06/2026

At yesterday's KidZone at KuCoNa, we explored how food is more than calories. It’s biology, culture and memory all on one plate.

- Why food is so important

Food brings people together. Every culture gathers around food — birthdays, weddings, celebrations and family meals.

Food is also part of our identity. The food you grew up with tells your story. Gogo’s umngqusho, mom’s curry, or that favourite snack from the local shop. It is history, culture and home that you can taste.

- Why food carries memory

We spoke to the children about why certain foods stay with us for life.

Food is like a time machine. It holds memories of people who loved you, places you have been and special moments in your life.

Food is important because it feeds your body, but it carries memory because it fed your heart at the same time.

03/06/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Vodacom for generously providing a phone charging station to the KuCoNa Create & Connect Centre during the power outages in May.

The charging station was a valuable resource for community members during a challenging time, helping people stay connected with family, emergency services, work, schools and important information updates.

We are truly grateful for Vodacom's support and commitment to assisting communities during times of need. Thank you for helping Kurland stay connected when it mattered most. 💚

03/06/2026

29/05/2026

Discovering the secrets of Hebron Forest, one trail at a time.

Thank you Nature's Way Farm for providing access to such a wonderful outdoor classroom and forest experience. 🌳💚

29/05/2026

🌿 KuCoNa Nature Club Explores Hebron Forest 🌿

This week, 14 young nature explorers from Kurland village joined the KuCoNa Nature Club for a memorable adventure into the beautiful Hebron Forest by Nature's Way Farm Stall.

Led by Dr Rudi Swart, NVT Forest Manager, the group of explorers set off from the Herbatorium and followed the newly marked trail through the forest. Along the way, they discovered many of the fascinating secrets of the forest, learning about indigenous trees, plants, fungi, insects, animal signs and the intricate connections that make a forest ecosystem thrive.

Rudi kept the children engaged throughout the walk, often checking in to see what they had learned and encouraging them to observe the forest carefully.

After the forest walk, the group returned to the Herbatorium to enjoy lunch packs together and share stories about their favourite discoveries from the day.

With Hebron Forest located right on Kurland's doorstep, the outing highlighted what a wonderful opportunity exists for children to regularly explore and connect with nature. KuCoNa Nature Club hopes to continue offering similar forest adventures in the future, helping more young people experience the beauty, wonder and learning opportunities that this remarkable indigenous forest has to offer.

Nature is one of our greatest classrooms, and experiences like these help young people build curiosity, confidence, knowledge and a lifelong connection to the natural world.

If you have not yet visited Hebron Forest, why not enjoy a short walk through this beautiful indigenous forest? Stop at Nature's Way Farm Stall for a coffee, smoothie or bite to eat, then explore the Herbatorium and the newly signposted forest trail.

The trail includes a number of informative interpretation signs that help visitors learn about the forest, its plants, animals and ecology as they walk, making it a wonderful outing for both children and adults.

26/05/2026

Thank you Mungo Design for helping keep the community connected during a difficult time 💚