The Create2Grow Program
Creatively Empowering Children to Flourish
Welcome - Wamkelekile - Welkom
Discover the therapeutic power of art-making for children with learning differences
Join the Create2Grow training & GRAB YOUR MANUAL!
Background
The Back Story
Created by South African Occupational Therapists Ms Beth Conolly, Mrs Munira Hoosain and Prof. Nicola Ann Plastow, the Create2Grow Program was designed to address the lack of feasible and effective services for children with learning differences in low-resource areas, where approximately only one in 10 children has access to quality intervention according to the South African Child Gauge (UCT, 2022).
Create2Grow harnesses the power of artmaking and group therapy as therapeutic tools with small groups of 8 to 12-year-old children with mild to moderate learning differences in school settings. When piloted in 2023, the program improved children’s occupational performance (engagement in developmentally appropriate activities) and creative participation (active participation in daily activities that challenges the person’s abilities). Parents and facilitators reported increased confidence and connection among participants, highlighting the program’s practical, inclusive and low-cost design.
Create2Grow brings evidence-based therapeutic principles into schools or local community centers, helping more children to thrive!
HELLO!
I am ‘Noni’, a sensory-sensitive occupational therapist, trainer, researcher and developmental equity advocate!
The Dream
Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, no matter their circumstances. Yet, my journey in this field has taught me that too many children are deprived of these opportunities, stunting their growth and potential for life!
Such opportunities were pivotal in getting me to where I am today, as making art was a key that opened the door out of the cognitive rigidities and sensory sensitivities I felt trapped within as a child. Engaging in creative activities that challenged my mind gave me tools to navigate my low sensory threshold and childhood obsessive-compulsive tendencies.
Therefore, my knowledge and research as a paediatric occupational therapist, together with my lived experience as a person with a ‘differently-wired brain’, can testify to the following:
Art-making is a refuge and a powerful means which helps children transform challenges into strengths.
My journey has led me to discover the power of arts-based group therapy as a resourceful and effective tool in addressing mild (and often undetected) neurodivergence. This has culminated in the creation of the Create2Grow program. All glory to God for the insights and breakthroughs that have brought this manual to life! I hope that it will serve as a valuable resource and blessing to others.
Become an accredited Create2Grow facilitator to turn hope into action!
Testimonials
Create2Grow is a program that is “accessible to community leaders and workers”
“It promotes social cohesion”, and
“The materials are easily accessible and versatile!”
“Create2Grow can be used to achieve different goals and objectives”, as
“It is easily adaptable and cost-effective.”
- OTASA Congress 2024 (Stakeholder Engagement)
“Create2Grow is empowering. To our children who cannot grow academically,
Create2Grow gives them a sense of hope each time they master a piece of art.”
- Create2Grow Community Facilitator (Niesha Februarie)
“Creative ability is one’s preparedness to function freely and with originality at one’s maximum level of competence.”
— Vona du Toit (1991)
Training
How it works
3 simple steps:
Sign up for the online Create2Grow program training course and complete it in your own time.
Receive your manual, 2 CEUs, and training certificate via email once you have completed your training.
Consider purchasing a Create2Grow box for convenience.
R350 for two hours of online training
2 CEUs clinical available for HPCSA-registered professionals
R2699 for a Create2Grow box (optional)