FARR LEAVES A LEGACY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

Britstown, 8 April 2026.

After seven years of dedicated work in the small Northern Cape town of Britstown, a chapter in community health and eduction has come to a close — leaving behind knowledge and a generation of mothers committed to healthier futures for their children.

Perhaps the most encouraging milestone came recently when baby clinic data confirmed that none of the infants born to programme participants had been diagnosed with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). This remarkable outcome highlights the effectiveness of sustained prevention, education and maternal support within the community.

Since 2019, the Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (FARR), under the leadership of Dr Leana Olivier and her locally based team, has worked closely with the Britstown community through a comprehensive programme focused on preventing FASD, supporting maternal health and strengthening the wellbeing of children and families.

The initiative, made possible through the support of De Aar Solar Power, has reached hundreds of community members across the broader community, through workshops, screenings, school programmes and direct engagement with families.

“Supporting the wellbeing of the communities around our project is a responsibility we take seriously,” said Willie van Niekerk, General Manager of De Aar Solar Power. “Through our partnership with FARR, we have seen how education, compassion and sustained engagement can make a real difference in people’s lives. The progress made in Britstown shows what is possible when communities are empowered with the knowledge and support to make healthier choices for their families.”

The programme started off as an awareness campaign, but over time it evolved into something far more meaningful: a trusted support system for mothers, caregivers and families navigating the challenges of pregnancy, parenting and community health.

One of the programme beneficiary mothers reflected on her journey, “After the first nine months, I decided to give up alcohol completely and look after my children sober. All I want is to be a good mother for my children. I don’t have to be the best mother ever, but I want to share my love with them.”

Another participant shared the relief and hope she felt after medical screening confirmed her baby’s healthy development, saying she now dreams of seeing her child grow up, attend school and pursue her own future.

Through practical education, guidance and consistent engagement, the programme helped women make informed decisions about alcohol use during pregnancy while building stronger support networks within the community.

Community members, healthcare workers, educators and local leaders recently gathered in Britstown to mark the conclusion of the programme and the closing of FARR’s local office, which will officially take place on 31 March 2026. The event celebrated not only the achievements of the past seven years, but also the resilience of the mothers and families who participated in the programme.

A symbolic candle-lighting “Passing the Torch” ceremony honoured FARR’s founding vision and the team who worked in the community, before the flame was passed to healthcare workers, educators, community leaders and programme participants — recognising them as future champions of awareness and prevention.

Dr Olivier described the participating mothers as “champions of healthier futures,” recognising the courage and commitment required to break cycles and create lasting change.“While our team’s physical presence in Britstown may be coming to an end, the true legacy remains firmly rooted in this community — carried forward by the very people that our programme was designed to support,” concluded Dr Olivier, CEO of FARR.