Babylonstoren in the Community
Babylonstoren is proud to be rooted in the Boland community. We believe that the success of our own farm ultimately depends on the success of our employees, their families and the community. Although it’s an ongoing journey, our aim is to encourage such successes in all facets of business on the farm.
Some of our proudest endeavours include the following initiatives.
Learners & Leaders
The Babylonstoren Learning Centre serves the Perdeskoen community of Babylonstoren employees and has long been part of the farm’s vision. Its purpose is simple – to give the children of the Babylonstoren family every opportunity to follow their dreams, while offering parents who work on the farm the peace of mind of knowing their children are learning and being cared for close to home.
Under the leadership of Liesel Johannes, the Learning Centre offers a nurturing environment where young minds can thrive. From the age of three, children receive the support they need to flourish, including daily meals, transport to and from school, extramural activities and educational outings to museums, libraries and other enriching destinations.
A much-loved part of the annual programme is the children’s regular visits to Soetmelksvlei, with up to ten outings each year. Here, they interact with farm animals, bake roosterkoek and stokbrood over the coals, churn their own butter, decorate biscuits and take part in treasure hunts – experiencing South African farming heritage first-hand. During the school holidays, trips to the beach and cinema bring more opportunities for discovery and fun.
In 2026, the Learning Centre serves children from 18 Babylonstoren employee households. Its Educare programme welcomes children aged three to five, while the aftercare programme caters for 26 learners from Grade R to Grade 12. After-school tutoring strengthens mathematics, reading and language comprehension skills.
Bright Futures
Over the years, its learners have made the Babylonstoren family immensely proud. Many have held leadership positions at their schools, excelled in sport and gone on to pursue tertiary education, setting an example for those who follow.
One former learner is currently in her fourth year of Social Work studies at Huguenot College, while another is a first-year marketing student at Boston College and a third is studying teaching at STADIO Higher Education. In Gauteng, three students from Goedgedacht, a Babylonstoren farm, are pursuing tertiary education at Rosebank College, Rostec FET College and Cresta Vaal College.
After completing the Educare programme, learners continue their education at schools in the surrounding area. Babylonstoren remains part of their journey, taking care of school fees, transport, uniforms, books and stationery so that each learner is fully equipped every step of the way.
The Learning Centre is registered with the Department of Social Development.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT PLAN
The Community Support Plan focuses on establishing sustainable, long-term partnerships that create a positive impact in the surrounding communities.
Its primary focus areas are:
Education and learner support
Community development
Environmental improvement
Family wellbeing and social cohesion
Community Development Projects
Family-centred events encourage participation, strengthen relationships and contribute to social wellbeing.
Established partnerships, including with the Pebbles Project, are maintained and, where appropriate, expanded to support educational and community development. New opportunities for collaboration with organisations that share the objectives of the Community Support Plan are also explored.
The overall strategy prioritises sustainable development over once-off interventions, with an emphasis on measurable impact, responsible use of resources and lasting benefits. All initiatives reflect Babylonstoren’s values and its commitment to meaningful, responsible community engagement.
Soetmelksvlei Schools Programme
The Learning Centre works closely with the management team at Soetmelksvlei, Babylonstoren’s historical farmyard experience, to facilitate educational outings for school groups from the surrounding area. Children meet farm animals and take part in hands-on activities such as milking, cream separation and breadmaking, making learning practical, engaging and fun.