Volmoed RetreatCentre for Healing & Reconciliation

Volmoed Retreat Centre is a beautiful place of healing and reconciliation for those who visit, who discover the beauty and the peace. However, the past few months have continued to be challenging for Volmoed in these longer-than-expected pandemic times. South Africa is now entering the third wave of Covid-19, and has officially moved to a more strict lockdown level with more restrictions, as it is slowly beginning to distribute vaccines.

This means that only individuals, families and very small day visitor groups can come to Volmoed.  Fortunately, we have had a few of these over the past months. The large national and international groups that bring in the needed income are not yet able to come to Volmoed. The financial situation thus remains very challenging. 

Our big excitement these past months was the induction of the new director, Tony Schnell, in early April. Staff, residents and visitors gathered for a festive time despite the rain, which is a sign of blessing in African culture. Sadly, our picnics got washed out! We look forward to building the future at Volmoed, one step at a time.

However, ongoing operational costs along with maintenance needs and upkeep of the retreat centre have increased with the pandemic. After the epic flood rains in May, and the rainy weather that continues in these next winter months, the roads need to continually be fixed, along with checking roofs and cleaning gutters. This takes staff time away from other needs. However, our staff are fantastic – they keep their sense of humor, get the work done, act as a caring team, and are always a joy to work with. 

We truly hope that during 2021 the vaccines will be rolled out, and that Volmoed can continue to welcome people to his place of healing and wholeness, reconciliation and peace. 

Thank you to all our donors!

• Global_Giving_Volmoed_Report_June_2021.pdf (PDF)