The AR3T Approach

Create2Grow is an eight-week prevocational skills development programme designed to enhance the creative abilities of children aged 8–12 with mild learning or developmental challenges, particularly those attending schools in low-resource communities. The programme is adaptable and can be tailored to different developmental challenges and therapeutic foci.

Create2Grow uses the AR3T practice framework to ensure therapeutic and beneficial facilitation methods that optimise developmental outcomes. The programme nurtures key developmental skills, including visual perception, fine motor abilities, social interaction, executive functioning and emotional intelligence, while empowering children to take an active role in their own growth and success. This development helps to prepare children for the world of work, as structured opportunities to take initiative and responsibility enhance their sense of industry and self-efficacy.

Create2Grow fosters a sense of belonging, autonomy and competence through nurturing facilitation and occupational science.

A place where process is valued over product.

Children and adults participating in a craft activity, decorating and attempting to pop water balloons made from newspaper and paint or glue, surrounded by newspapers, trays, and supplies.

A Low-Cost Solution

Create2Grow is a feasible therapy solution for low-resource settings as it:

Is contextually relevant

Create2Grow has been refined according to caregivers’ and community workers’ perspectives.

Saves time

The program makes use of group therapy, thereby ensuring that more children benefit from therapeutic support concurrently.

Makes use of existing systems

Create2Grow decentralises occupational therapy by empowering teachers, parents, and community members, who are socially skilled and motivated, to lead these groups as a supportive intervention. Intervention is also advised to be facilitated within community centres or schools to ensure accessibility.

Saves costs

Create2Grow reduces therapy costs by making use of easily accessible art materials.

Protects the environment

The program fosters resourcefulness and initiative amongst children by teaching them to repurpose recycled materials.

Activities that build resilience and hope through just-right challenges.

Smiling child wearing a cap and a "npr" t-shirt with arms spread wide, outdoors.
Person holding a clear plastic storage box with items including sponges, colorful fabric or tools, and a "Create2Grow" label.
Plastic container filled with a variety of items including an analogue clock box, crayons, a black weighted sack, a manual titled 'Create2Grow Program Intervention Manual,' disposable cups, and some recycled cardboard rolls.
Plastic box labeled 'Create2Grow' containing various items including colored chalk, games, and small accessories, with additional images detailing contents like a colour coded analogue clock to demonstrate time division.

“There needs to be a lot more emphasis on what a child can do instead of what he cannot do.” - Temple Grandin

JOIN THE TRAINING