the Create2Grow Program

Creatively Empowering Children to Flourish!

welcome - Wamkelekile - Welkom

Discover the healing potential of art-making for Children with learning differences

join the training & GRAB YOUR FREE CREATE2GROW MANUAL!

Children decorating papier-mâché balloons with newspaper and plaster at a table covered with black plastic, surrounded by balloons and art supplies.

Background

At Create2Grow, we believe in Creating hope and discovering potential

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 occupational therapy services for children with learning differences in low-resource areas, where 90% of diagnosable and treatable conditions remain undetected and untreated according to the South African Child Gauge (UCT, 2022). This means that only one in 10 children in South Africa have access to quality care, indicating a significant gap in service delivery.

Create2Grow harnesses the power of artmaking as a therapeutic tool to achieve functional goals in small groups of 8 to 12-year-old children within school settings. When piloted in 2023, the program demonstrated significant improvements in occupational performance, proving its feasibility and effectiveness.

What makes Create2Grow truly special is its adaptability. Whether led by healthcare professionals, teachers, therapy support staff or community members with experience working with children with unique learning needs, this program is designed to close the gap in service delivery between different socio-economic classes, particularly in low-to-middle-income countries like South Africa.

By bringing evidence-based therapeutic principles into schools or local community centREs, Create2Grow is a promising solution for impacting the lives of children who need it most.

HELLO!

I am ‘Noni’, a sensory-sensitive Occupational therapist passionate about creating equal access to developmental services.

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.

Please join me to ignite hope and transform possibilities into realities for those who need it most!

A child crawling through a colorful play tunnel on artificial grass next to a occupational therapist squatting, playing with small colored cards outside near a building.
Occupational therapist and child interacting in a classroom with educational posters and toys.
A community training held in a large hall with many people seated in a circle. Participants are paying attention to a speaker standing and gesturing towards them. The room is equipped with informational posters, and some attendees are wearing masks.

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)

Child's hands drawing with markers on a large sheet of paper, surrounded by colorful markers and a plastic bag with more markers.

Training

How it works

3 simple steps:

  1. Sign up for the online Create2Grow program training course and complete it in your own time.

  2. Receive your manual, 2 CEUs, and training certificate via email once you have completed your training.

  3. Consider purchasing a Create2Grow box for convenience.

Cover of 'Create2Grow Program: Intervention Manual' featuring colorful decorations and abstract designs. The manual focuses on empowering children through a visual arts program developed by occupational therapists. It is authored by Ms. Naomi Beth Conolly, Mrs. Munira Hoosain, and Prof. Nicola Ann Plastow.

  • R350 for two hours of online training

  • 2 CEUs clinical available for HPCSA-registered professionals

  • R2699 for a Create2Grow box (optional)