Golden Steps School Fete 2015

Golden Steps School

Golden Steps School provides training and education for Intellectually Challenged learners. The school is situated in the rural areas of Cottonlands, Verulam and provides education and training for 210 leaners with disabilities who are unable to derive benefit from the instruction provided at mainstream schools.

The majority of our learners have very poor speech and inadequate language communication skills. Many have no speech at all, suffer from epileptic seizures and have visual and hearing impairments, are hyperactive and have problems in fine and gross motor development. They lack the skills to cope with day-to-day living and many parents find it extremely difficult to cope with demand of the having a special needs learner. The school undoubtedly serves as a source of hope and comfort to those parents whose children attend the institution. Parent training, counselling, guidance and parent-teacher workshops form part of the school's ongoing commitment towards ensuring the holistic development of all it's learners.

The Department of Education's National Curriculum is adapted and differentiated to created the individualised learning programs fro each learner. In this way learners are exposed to a variety of learning outcomes and learning methods and thus enable them to progress at their own pace. the ultimate goal is to prepare leaners in the junior, inter-mediate, senior and pre-vocational phases to lead an independent life and become and responsible adults.

Learner's are given the opportunity to participate in a variety of extra-curricular activities such as sports, cultural and social events, educational excursions, gardening and concerts. the more senior leaners are exposed to workshop skills such as woodwork, metal work, cookery, needlework and motor care. Many businesses in Verulam have supported leaners by allowing them to come and train onsite. These activities provided much needed on-the-job experience for our learners.

The school continues to work towards realizing its vision by providing education of a specialized nature so as to allow all leaners to achieve his/her optimal potential. For the school to provide an environment that is conducive to teaching and learning much needed renovations is required to its infrastructure.

The school will be hosting a fete on the 31st of October 2015 at the Verulam Recreational Grounds in order to raise much needed funds for repairs to old corrugated roof irons, convert existing garages into classrooms and rehabilitate its sports-field.

The fete will start off will a fun run/walk followed by a fun filled day for the community with stalls, a car show, kiddies entertainment, sporting activities, live shows through out the day, and health clinics and lots of fun for the whole family. A variety of food stalls and lots of prizes to be won.

The car show has already attracted the likes of BMW, Hyundai , Ford and Suzuki. A number of bike clubs will also be in attendance. All this wonderful fun and entertainment will be broadcast live on Radio Lotus who have given their full support to the fete and the school.

ABI has supported our fete by sponsoring the stage for the live entertainment.

We are looking forward to an awesome day.

Should you wish to make a contribution to the fete or to the school or simply require further information, please contact 084 444 6281/078 693 7612 0r 072 893 8786.

The Color Run set to paint Durban all shades of extraordinary

The Color Run set to paint Durban all shades of extraordinary

 The Green Hub, Blue Lagoon; 12 July 2015 at 10h00

The Color Run – a fun family 5km run - is coming to Durban on 12 July starting at the Green Hub at the Blue Lagoon, and organisers announce a bolder, brighter event for the 2015 series.

10 June 2015 – The Color Run™ 2015 will be hitting Durban on 12 July 2015.  “The happiest 5km on the planet” promises to be brighter, shinier and happier this year with some exciting new additions to the usual format.

Participating in this year’s event will be done in the true spirit of Ubuntu. Color Runners can expect nothing like ever before, with this year’s run including in-race obstacles a sprinkle of glitter and a few other surprises.

“The Color Run is bigger and better than ever, and that’s thanks in part to the fact that South Africa’s happiest bank, Capitec Bank, has come on board as the headline sponsor,” says Leon Swanepoel, The Color Run South Africa event producer. 

Having had huge success in Port Elizabeth in May, with over 7 000 Color Runners experiencing the bigger, better and shinier format, The Color Run promises to bring an event to remember for locals and tourists alike to the Durban leg.

“But, it is about so much more than just one day, which is why we are thrilled to have a sponsor such as Capitec Bank, which shares The Color Run’s passion for social upliftment,” says Swanepoel. “Thanks to Capitec Bank’s generous sponsorship, we were able to raise over R53 000 for a local nursery school in Port Elizabeth.”

“Capitec Bank is really excited to be on board with The Color Run, because we share the same values. Like The Color Run, we also believe in health, happiness, individuality, giving back, living life in technicolour and having fun, while caring about the community. Durban is going to be spectacular, and we can’t wait to be there,” says Charl Nel, head of communications at Capitec Bank.

The Durban leg of The Color Run is raising funds for education and Capitec Bank has committed a R10 donation for every ticket purchased towards this cause.  

The Color Run is the single largest 5km event series in the world, which hosted more than 300 events in over 50 countries in 2014. Registration for Durban is open!

Every runner will receive a R200 voucher from Takealot.com for the purchase of The Color Run powder and merchandise, as well as a R200 voucher from Superbalist to be redeemed against a minimum spend of R250.

Charity and school fundraising is a big part of The Color Run. Register your school or charity on the Fun Raiser program and raise R20 for every ticket sold under your unique Fun Raiser code.  To give back, contact The Color Run on hello@thecolorrun.co.za .

Tickets are available on line from The Color Run website (http://thecolorrun.co.za) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/TheColorRunSouthAfrica). Get your early bird special now, available until 22nd June 2015 for only R100. Thereafter, individual ticket prices are R150 and R200 on the day.

Mark your diaries:

When: 12 July 2015

Where: The Green Hub, Blue Lagoon

Time: 10h00

About The Color Run

The Color Run is a feel-good, happy, colourful event. “Color Runners” of all shapes and sizes happily go from wearing pristine white clothing, to being covered in prismatic colour. At each kilometre mark, a different colour of powder fills the air and covers the participants, creating an ever-increasing spectrum of colour and beauty. At the finish line, the colour festival kicks off and the air is filled with millions of vivid colour combinations as participants get in on the colour throwing fun as well. For more information, go to www.thecolorrun.co.za or follow us on Facebook.

About Capitec Bank

Capitec Bank (JSE: CPI) is South Africa’s fastest growing full service retail bank. With 6.2 million active clients, R11.6 billion in equity and R53.9 billion in assets as of February 2015, Capitec Bank offers affordable, simplified and transparent banking with personalised service. Using innovative technology to drive down costs, increased accessibility and simplified, transparent client interactions, Capitec Bank's Global One facility offers a range of transacting, saving and credit options accessed in real-time using paperless processes and the country’s first in-branch biometric client identification system. Capitec Bank was recently named South Africa’s best service and *best value bank in the South African Consumer Satisfaction Index (SAcsi), South Africa’s best priced bank in the Solidarity Report and the best customer service bank in the Ask Afrika Orange Index awards.

For further information on Capitec Bank visit www.capitecbank.co.za or follow Capitec on

Story Courtesy of Publicity Matters

Small Town Greats Volume 1.2 - Valencia Joshua

Valencia Joshua
Image Credit: Navlee Photoworks & Design  Studios Pty Ltd

Valencia Joshua features in our next installment of "Small Town Greats" a writer, director, actor who is passionate about God, people and the arts.

“I don’t want to just tell stories...I want to transform lives” Valencia is determine, ambitious, talented and a human being passionate about transforming lives.

1. Who is Valencia Joshua?
Valencia Jo-Ann Joshua, a small town girl, desires to impact lives. Growing up, her passions
surfaced in different forms. Valencia is now a National and international Writer/ Director with variants into film, stage and live performance shows, advertising, series, and has recently launched into acting.

2. Where it all started? What was the inspiration to go into film?
“It all started when I was ten years old and walked into a dimly lit room and caught a glimpse of my then twenty year old brother, (Justin) illustrating star constellations on a massive canvas. He invited me to assist him and together we created the universe. It continued from the dark of that night into sunrise the next morning. I proceeded to watch him, over time, create master pieces in his little art studio at the back of our home in Verulam, and would often sneak in when he was absent and pretend to do the same. I remember getting sent to detention at Primary school, also known to us in Indian communities as “special class” for drawing all sorts of things that lived in my mind, unfortunately during class time. I also then went on to win “Art piece of the year” for the very drawing that had gotten me in trouble. The drawing captured the freedom of a springbok jumping through the clouds. It was then that my love for art was birthed.”

3. Achievements? Milestones in her career thus far?
“I completed my B.A Honours Degree in Film Directing and Screen writing at AFDA Cape Town. My graduating film “Juncture”, landed 7 nominees and was awarded in each of the seven categories nominated for. I was selected and granted thereafter a Masters Bursary by AFDA Cape Town and am currently completing it part time.
My first international short film screenplay, exploring the complexities of the South African Indian society, was shortlisted by the National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa and after a 6month workshop, shortlisted as one of top ten that was thereafter directed in mid 2014. “
Valencia was then selected by National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa along with Film Market Access to represent SA as one of four in the Toronto International Film competition in which she competed against the best up and coming film makers internationally. She won the creative mind award in the category of “TIFF Best Screenplay”.

Valencia recently made a surprise performance debut in a Bollywood film opposite Akshay Kumar.
Valencia is passionate about the empowerment of woman, human, child and animal rights. She believes in keeping magic alive in young minds, generosity, humility, and spends much of her free time in the company of children, her family, animals and nature and is largely involved in charity and educative awareness.

4. Was this path an easy one?
“ I was once asked by a relative if I was going to study something else as a “backup plan”, should this not pan out as I hoped it would. My response was “Back up plans are excuses for failure, there’s no room for back up plans when your love for creating is as essential as the life you possess”.

5. Your History in Verulam? Where did you live?
“My History in Verulam stems from a fantastic tale. During the time of South African apartheid, Indians were given specific living restrictions in terms of areas in which they could call home. My dad, one of the wisest men I know, in the year 1982 chose the beautiful little town Verulam, as he felt the simplicity and purity of the town would be a great environment to bring up his children. We lived on a street known as Everest Heights in a beautiful home.”

6. Education? Which Schools did you attend?
“I attended Everest Heights Primary, Verulam Secondary and Mount Edgecombe Independent.”

8. Where would you like to see Verulam in the next 5 years?
“Verulam is a phenomenal town. In the next five years, I would hope that it remains a place of purity but that the hearts and minds of its children become one that is exposed to greater things. I would hope that educators would take the time to appreciate children for their unique gifting, be it artistic, athletic or academic. That they would be exposed to greater things and challenged on a global perspective rather than a cultural perspective of what greatness really is. There are great artists, poets, athletes, and academics hidden within the walls of this great town. Some of the greatest achievers in South Africa stem from Verulam. Astronauts, physicists, architects, doctors, film makers, business power heads, commercial directors and so much more. Let the land not change in its greatness but let the people of the land reflect the greatness of it.”

9. Favourite Director and Favourite Movie?
“That is a very difficult question to answer. I have far too many directors I look up to and respect. Two of my favourites are Baz Lurman and Deepa Mehta. I can’t select a favourite film either, however, amongst my favourites are: The Great Gatsby, The Life Of
Pi, Amelie, Hugo, Million Dollar Arm, Slumdog Millionaire, Water, Water for elephants, Perfume, Pride and Prejudice, The Boy with stripe pyjamas and Saving Mr Banks.”

10. Best memory of growing up in Verulam?
“Verulam carried too many wonderful memories. I loved playing cricket at home with my brothers and hitting the ball into our neighbours beautiful flowery garden. I loved the fruit trees in our back orchid. I loved the puppies that grew into dogs that were born under my care and returned to heaven in my care, but never left my heart. I love the teachers that told me that I’d become nothing in life if I couldn’t sew a piece of fabric because I proved them wrong. I love the friends I made, the awesome Vet at the corner of Wick street who yelled at people if they didn’t take good enough care of their pets. I love the day care centre where we spent much of our youth in the company of such loving old people. I love the memories with my beautiful mom, dad and brothers.”

Valencia Joshua
Image Credit: Navlee Photoworks & Design  Studios Pty Ltd

11. What do you hope to achieve?
“I hope to be a voice to the world in every essence of it. I hope for my work to leave souls feeling enriched on some level. Be it a single line of dialogue or a simple scene within a piece of work in which a message would remain. I hope to be instrumental in the transforming of lives, to assist in the respect and equality of humankind, animal kind, and in nature. I hope to represent the possibility and tangibility, the dignity, class and humility of a successful woman in the 21st century.”

12. Any word of advice?
"Believe in the power of your dreams. Never stop pursuing great things, and once achieved, celebrate it for a brief moment and move onto the next. Don’t allow anyone to tell you that you’re incapable of doing anything you want to, because you can. You don’t need to be the richest, smartest, handsomest/ prettiest person around to succeed. All you need is faith, determination, commitment and you to will rise. Remember that every professional was once a beginner. Almost every great success story was birthed within a difficult circumstance. Walt Disney was bankrupt when he created Mickey Mouse, Einstein didn’t speak till he was four and write till he was seven, and was thought to be handicapped. He turned out winning a Nobel Prize. Oprah Winfrey was abused and molested as a kid, she overcame her struggles as well as poverty and turned out to be the first African American Billionaire. What stops you? You can overcome every obstacle and become a world changer, and when you do, because you will, remain humble and help others reach their best potential too. May the Lord Almighty Bless you always."

Follow Valencia’s Journey on:
Facebook Page @Valencia Joshua
Instagram @VALENCIAJOSHUA

Special Thanks to Valen Peters-Govender

For more images of Valencia's day in Verulam click on www.facebook.com/iHeartVerulam

Refugee Camp Relief

As you probably know the xenophobic attacks have escalated through the country. Durban is on edge at this point.

Verulam has been the latest area hit by this inhuman act.

Verulam SAPS has become a make shift refugee camp with about 1500 foreign nationals.
Our country is in a state of crisis and we need to come together as a community and as human beings to assist each other.

Items required:

Items required:

1.       Non-perishable food items (baked beans, potatoes, onions, etc)

2.       Porridge & baby food

3.       Tea bags

4.       Sugar

5.       Clothing (Its COLD, so items to keep them warm)

6.       Toiletries (Soaps, tooth paste, sanitary towels)

7.       BLANKETS

8.       Umbrellas/Rain jackets

9.       Paper cups and paper plates plastic spoons.

Basically anything that would assist.

Please assist us in spreading the word.

LET’S BE HUMAN.

Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.

If you require more info you may contact me 0735020107 or iheartverulam@gmail.com

Small Town Greats Volume 1.1 - Dersoha Moodley

Derosha Moodley

Image Credit: Valen P. Photography

In I Heart Verualm's first installment of "Small Town Greats" we feature Derosha Moodley under the Entertainment/Arts field.

Derosha is young, talented and very much in loved with the arts. She has a tremendous amount of talent and very exciting opportunities lay ahead of her.

You can witness the talent of Dersoha Moodley with Mishqah Parthiephal (another I Heart Verulam small town great who will feature in a future post) in "The Dance", a  short film which was premiered at the Durban International Film Festival 2014. "The Dance" will be screened on SABC 1, Thursday, 19th February 2015 at 20:30 for the NFVF/SABC Black Women & Youth Film Initiative. 

Let's find out more about Verulam's Shakespeareanite.

Who is Derosha Moodley?

A serious but crazy thespian and young academic. Shakespeareanite J

Your history in Verulam? Where did you live?

I've never lived anywhere other than Verulam. I've lived in Riyadh for the past 26 years of my life.

Which schools did you attend?

I attended Lotusville Primary school and Mountview Secondary school.

What where some of your most memorable achievements?

Academic: BA, Hons, MA.I am currently reading for a PhD.

Golden key membership

Social: Former Miss India SA KZN 2006

Spiritual: Bharatha Natyam graduate

Career: I've featured for my acting/dance work on all major broadcast and print platforms, theatre, radio, TV, film, magazines and newspapers.

Where would you like to see Verulam in the next 5 years?

I’d like Verulam to remain the same - A warm atmosphere with friendly familiar faces everywhere. Of course there are many hopes we all have in terms of improving Verulam's social growth a.k.a our rising crime rate...but not to put a negative spin on this chilled questionnaire, I've focused on the positives of our Verulam J

What was the inspiration to go in to theatre ?

The words of William Shakespeare, my parents belief in me and the inspiration of Mr. M.T. Shaik, my high school drama teacher...R.I.P.

Highlights of your career thus far?

-Travelling the world doing theatre.

- Being in the company of awesome humans in the form of artists/creators is something I treasure

- Working with prisoners during my honours year was very enlightening.

Career plans for the future?

I don’t know yet. I am happy being a lecturer/performer right now. Whatever I do, it will involve academia, Shakespeare, the theatre and students.

Favourite Director and Favourite movie?

THIS IS REALLY HARD!! 

If you are talking about film...It’s a mash up between Steven Spielberg/Michel Gondry and Peter Jackson.

I’m an avid film watcher, be it commercial or nouveau...but the journeys I went on during Jurassic Park and the Lord of the Rings I will never forget. Such pageantry! So much heart!

Best memory of growing in Verulam?

- Primary school pretend games during the lunch breaks and after exams J

- Going to the world’s best fresh produce market, with my grandmother every Saturday!!

- Playing cricket with my mum, dad and two brothers on the recreation grounds...used to be a treat from our dad.

- Roaming from house to house in Riyadh, on Diwali evening

- Choosing books from our library was and still is exciting

- The warmth I feel when I enter the Verulam Fruit and Veg store

What is your favourite thing about Verulam? Why?

It’s my home! I’ll always have an attachment to the place that shaped my life.  

What is advice to the youth of Verulam.

No matter how much your life will detour from your dreams (and believe me it will) don’t lose faith in achieving them, but, remember to be realistic, you don’t live in a dreamlike society...but it doesn't mean that your dreams are unattainable.

Derosha Moodley

Image Credit: Valen P. Photography

Derosha Moodley

Image Credit: Valen P. Photography

Derosha Moodley

Image Credit: Valen P. Photography

I Heart Verualm had a splendid time with Derosha, walking through Verulam reminiscing about the beautiful past and looking forward to an exciting future.

More images of Derosha's interview will feature on our Facebook Page www.facebook.com/iHeartVerulam soon!

Small Town GREATS!!!

I Heart Verulam is about the people and like many other small towns across the globe we are a tad bit underestimated. However, that doesn't stop us from proving the world wrong.                   I Heart Verulam will be featuring some small town greats from Verulam who are moving forward in their respective fields. Inspirational people who are showing us that there is hope. People who do what they love and love what they do. Listed below are some of those fields and if you know of a Verulam Resident or ex-resident please feel free to inform us.

Fields of Focus:
1. Entertainment/Arts
2. Education/Academia
3. Sports
4. Business
5. Charity/Philanthropy


Be sure to click on social media links below.

I Heart Verulam...Tell me more!

"I Heart Verulam' is about community, pride, culture, heritage, diversity...."I Heart Verulam" is about YOU!

Verulam is packed with history and culture, therefore we would like to share that with you and the world. It's about sharing who you are and inviting the world in to glimpse and experience the wonders that is Verulam.

Often underestimated, Verulam has much to show from it's iconic morning market to the various historical land marks and not forgetting the wonderful people who make up this beautiful town.

"I Heart Verulam" is here to add to that great sense of community.