For many people the picturesque town of Paternoster has always been synonymous with crayfish and an abundance of seafood – and of course, the typical white washed cottages and pristine beaches awashed by the beautiful, icy blue Atlantic Ocean.
Unfortunately, the dwindling resources of some fish species (caused by industry expansion and over-fishing), has resulted in many artisan fisherman now losing a lifeline. Unemployment and poverty affects many households; and many youngsters have now become part of an opportunistic sub-culture of petty crime, drugs and smuggling with rare resources to try and survive financially.
Many women in the community are employed in the hospitality industry and have to work late shifts and unsocial hours. In some cases, their youngsters are left without proper care. Children as young as three years old selling shells on the street corner, has become the norm.
Mother and daughter Sanita and Annelize van der Merwe, started a programme in 2011 to counter this culture of life on the streets. Their passion for these children resulted in the establishment of The Paternoster Art School. Sponsors were obtained for the first year, in order to cover the disciplines of dance, music, art and craft for kids between the ages of 9 and 12.
The programme has now been running successfully for two years with a group of 25 children, and the involvement of more women from the community is a boost for the dreams and hopes of Paternoster.
The newly established Paternoster Peoples’ Partnership (PPP), is a not for profit organisation run by women in the community. It is our mission to further develop and empower the entire community, continuously establishing new goalposts and ideals to ultimately uplift the community out of poverty.
Paternoster Peoples' Partnership 
Ek weet dit is ‘n uitmergelende taak, maar dit verskaf soveel MEER !
So proud that I can say that my child forms part of this group. I honestly admire the effort thats put in this project to help our children from Paternoster to sharpen their skills.Thumbs up for Tannie Sanita and her daughter for the good job they do in Paternoster for the past 3 years almost, we are so proud of our kids.
Thanks Sanita and Toni for this afternoon’s meeting and lunch. There is a lot of energy here and we look forward to being part of the PPP. Martin & Ben – Langstrand
Wel ek “sien” ‘n positiewe verskuiwing van energie en,is trots om deel te raak van Paternoster People’s Partnership! Elke klein saadjie wat ons in ‘n ander persoon plant, sal in tyd wel ontkiem.
We are planning to move to the western cape from gauteng. I am a trainer an would like to get involved in the community once we there. I teach communication , and a whole lot of other subjects. I was in security industry at the training college., but more info closer to the time. (Sarahaletta@gmail.com)
Hi Sue,thanks for your comment left on our website…We indeed look forward to welcome you in lovely Paternoster (West coast) and trust that you will “love” our beautiful fishermen village.It would be a pleasure to tell you more about this project should you wish us to do so? and would love to welcome you on board:)