Stories
Spekboom Net Zero is a large-scale ARR carbon capture project in South Africa based on planting Spekboom on selected available farmland. First phase of this project is on the order of 7,300 Ha with the potential of capturing over 100,000 tones CO2 per year for decades to come. The project provides an opportunity for Spekboom thicket restoration supported and financed through the carbon markets. Eligible farms may plant Spekboom truncheons in areas where Spekboom once flourished. This is a grouped project where additional landowners and farmers may participate over time in an ever-increasing amount. SNZ plans to plant 10,000 Ha per year for the next 3 years to capture 12.4 million tCO2 over 30 years. Growing Spekboom absorbs CO2 at a rate similar to the Brazilian rain forest. Carbon sequestration is measured by analyzing carbon content in aboveground biomass, litter, and soil. These measurements are made annually after establishing a baseline. A species-specific allometric model will be employed in some cases to covert measurements into tones of CO2 removals per Ha. South Africa’s SDG goals are expanded through project activities such as increased income to local farmers, employment for farm workers, investing in the local communities, and improving area biodiversity. The project will also improve social livelihoods for some of South Africa’s population facing the challenges of poverty, high unemployment, and a skewed distribution of resources. Estimated income to project farmers at full growth may be around R 2.4 million per year per 1000 hectare of carbon capture land. Spekboom which can last for up to 200 years is important to South Africa’s SDG 15 goal is to protect, restore and promote the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial and other ecosystems. SNZ arranges funding for Spekboom truncheon planting activity. Each farmland owner then receives 70% of the carbon credit income, SNZ retains 30% for services rendered. You may visit https://www.socialcarbon.org/ where our project is listed as "Spekboom Regeneration and Carbon Sequestration" to see our Methodology SCM0004 specifically developed for Spekboom based on 15 years of peer reviewed research publications. Also see our Project Description Section 6, “SOCIALCARBON® Indicators,” for measures designed to track progress of SNZ planned socioeconomic activities. This is the right project for South Africa. Carbon Farming will increase employment in Eastern Cape where unemployment is near 50%. This high unemployment rate is partly due to habitat degradation, which has resulted in a decline in the agricultural sector in this region. Project success is expected to spurn similar projects thus spreading these social and economic benefits throughout South Africa. Income to farmers at full growth will continue next 100 years or more. Actual income to farmers will depend upon many factors such as truncheon survival rate, plant growth rate and market price for carbon credits.
I hosted and facilitated a motherhood session at Qwa-Qwa on the 8th of November 2024, we shared baby bags with the expecting mothers, motherhood tips, mental health support tips, refferals and many activities.
Lebowakgomo Junior Tennis Club is situated at Lebowakgomo tennis courts at Lebowakgomo stadium under Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality, Capricorn District, Limpopo Province. Lebowakgomo Junior Tennis Club has 25 kids presently and is growing slowly because tennis is not a dominating sport in and around our community. Our kids are very dedicated and passionate to it and they enjoy the court a lot. Knowing that the tennis equipment and gear is very expensive and parents are unable to afford most of the sport needs. Our kids are attending different primary and secondary schools around Lebowakgomo and all of them are attending no fees schools. We always request parents to buy the starter kit which is the rackets and tennis shoes for their kids and others are struggling to affort the kit. We request donations around our community but we don’t get the support like other sports (Soccer/Netball). Our kids are practising on Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and daily on school holidays. They utilise the local municipality tennis courts for practising, it has seven (7) tennis courts. In December 2023 they stole six (6) nets in the courts and our kids are struggling when practising. Parents contributed some money to buy two used nets and we are using colourful ropes in other courts. Lebowakgomo Junior Tennis Club has kids in Rising Star Games, Limpopo Baobab Prokennex Rainbow Kids Tournament and Inter-Provincial Schools Tournament and we achieved: 1.The winner of Rainbow Kids Tournament 2023 Under 10 is from our club Mphahlele Mahlodi. 2. Rising Star Capricorn District Medalist 2024(Mphahlele Kamano, Seabi Kamogelo, Mochemi Bohlale & Modika Thepudi). 3.Rising Star Limpopo Province Champions 2024 (Mphahlele Kamano, Seabi Kamogelo, Mochemi Bohlale & Modika Thepudi). Due to shortage of funds our kids are unable to attend TSA tournaments in other provinces to uplift their rankings nationally, provincially and to gain exposure and more experience of playing outside with their peers. We are hoping or wishes to have the tennis academy one day or in future because the municipality is not maintaining the tennis courts and they are not supportive. Parents must always come to remove the weeds in the courts to prevent snake hideouts and the safety of the kids. Lebowakgomo Junior Tennis Club needs any form of assistance, it can be monetory donations,tennis equipments, shoes, attire and tournament sponsor.
PROJECT OVERVIEW The Community Library and Play Parks Project aims to provide a safe, educational, and recreational space for all community members. The project will focus on establishing a library with a diverse collection of books, STEM, coding, robotics, educational toys and creating play parks that promote physical activity, creativity, and social interaction. OBJECTIVES Enhance literacy: Provide access to books, educational materials, STEM resources, educational toys and digital resources for people of all ages. Promote physical activity: Establish welldesigned play parks to encourage outdoor play, physical exercise, and social engagement among children. Community development: Foster community engagement through educational programs, reading clubs, playgroups, and social activities in shared spaces. Inclusivity: Design the library and parks to be accessible for people with disabilities. SCOPE Library Component: Collection of books, magazines, STEM, educational toys and digital resources. Spaces for quiet reading, studying, and group discussions. Educational programs (e.g., story time, book clubs, STEM clubs, coding, robotics sessions, tutoring). Public access to computers and the internet. After-school programs, ECD visits and workshops. Play Park Component: Age-appropriate playground equipment. Safe, durable, and accessible design (including ramps and sensory play areas). Green spaces for relaxation, picnics, and community gatherings. Walking and exercise trails for all age groups. PROJECT TEAM Project Manager: Oversees planning, budgeting, and execution. Community Coordinators: Engage with community stakeholders for feedback and participation. Core Team: Plan the layout and design of the library and play parks. Community members, SEF, PESP & EPWP programs: Responsible for the physical construction. Library Staff: Manage the operations, including book circulation, programs, and events. Volunteers: Assist in day-to-day tasks, especially during community events and programs. PROJECT TEAM Project Manager: Oversees planning, budgeting, and execution. Community Coordinators: Engage with community stakeholders for feedback and participation. Core Team: Plan the layout and design of the library and play parks. Community members, SEF, PESP & EPWP programs: STAKEHOLDERS Local Government: Permits, funding, and ongoing maintenance. Community Members: End-users and contributors to the development. Non-Profit Organizations: Potential collaborators for funding, books, and educational programs. Educational Institutions: Local schools may partner in providing books, volunteers, or program materials. Corporate Sponsors: For financial support, donations of materials, or volunteer programs. FUNDING Library: Books, digital resources, and materials. Furnishings (tables, chairs, shelves). Computers and IT infrastructure. Salaries for librarians and support staff. Play Parks: Playground equipment (swings, slides, climbing structures). Landscaping and fencing. Maintenance and safety inspection. Funding Sources: Grants from local government and foundations. Corporate sponsorships. Crowdfunding and community fundraising. In-kind donations of books, equipment, and volunteer time. TIMELINE Phase 1 (3 months): Initial planning, stakeholder engagement, and securing funding. Phase 2 (6 months): Library design, book collection, and program planning; begin construction of the play parks. Phase 3 (3 months): Library setup, hiring staff, program launch, and park completion. Phase 4 (Ongoing): Operation, maintenance, and evaluation of the project’s impact. RISK MANAGEMENT Funding Shortfalls: Seek multiple sources of funding and ensure strong community engagement. Construction Delays: Plan for contingencies and hire experienced contractors. Safety Concerns: Regular inspections and adhering to safety standards for both the library and parks. MONITORING & EVALUATION Library Usage: Track the number of visitors, books borrowed, and program participation. Play Park Usage: Monitor community engagement through foot traffic and feedback. Community Impact: Survey community members for feedback and suggestions for improvement. SUSTAINABILITY PLAN Regular fundraising drives and events to ensure long-term financial support. Community volunteers and partnerships with schools and organizations for ongoing engagement. Environmental sustainability practices such as energy-efficient lighting, recycling programs, and green landscaping. This plan aims to create a thriving, inclusive environment where community members can be a part of their own community development program on different stages of the program by utilizing ABCD( Asset-Based Community Development) methods, to foster growth intellectually, socially, physically and to develop pride and a sense of ownership towards community development. SCALING COMMUNITY LIBRARIES Modular Library System: Create portable or pop-up libraries that can easily be set up in different communities. Digital Library Network: Build a shared online library system where people can borrow books from different community libraries without needing a lot of physical space. Volunteer-Based Scaling: Train local community members to run small libraries, which lowers staffing costs and gets more people involved. Satellite Libraries: Start small library branches in places like schools or public buildings, and expand them if needed. Partnership Networks: Partner with larger libraries, universities, and companies to get resources, expertise, and used books. SCALING PLAY PARKS Replication Model: Make a guide for building new parks. Each park should stick to basic principles but be flexible to fit the community's needs, using playground ideas and design handbooks. Public-Private Partnerships: Work with local businesses, non-profits, and the government to share costs and keep the parks running long-term. Franchise Model: Design a flexible park model that other cities or towns can use by getting a license or franchise. Technology Integration: Add smart technology (like smart benches and safety monitors) to improve park efficiency and gather information on how the park is used. Maintenance and Staffing: Create a plan to keep parks well-maintained, either by hiring staff or working with local groups for volunteer-based upkeep. APPROVED LAND We are honoured to have been allocated a plot of land by the Makoane Traditional Council for the building of the library.
MAKO Aquatics NPC invites you to be part of the first of its kind Aquatics Centre in the Vaal. Together we offer opportunities to better the development of young swimmers in the district and offer them the hopes of achieving greatness. MAKO Aquatics NPC is a registered Non-Profit Company and is registered with SARS as a Public Benefit Organisation under Section 30 of the Tax Act. MAKO Aquatics is a Level 2 B-BBEE non-Profit Company. The MAKO Aquatics company structure is set up to have proper governance at all levels with regards to the raising of funds and the utilisation thereof. With a board of NON-CONNECTED Directors and a Fundraising Committee, we ensure that all funds are properly appropriated in the projects we take on. Originally founded in Sunward Park, Boksburg, MAKO Aquatics expanded its reach to Three Rivers Vereeniging in 2023. Within a very short time, MAKO Aquatics has cemented its position as a competitor in swimming in the Vaal with the rapid growth of its squad. All our Coaches, Officials and Swimmers are registered with Eastern Gauteng Aquatics (EGA), Aquatics Gauteng (AG) and Swimming South Africa (SSA) and our swimmers compete at District, Regional and National Level. Due to the challenges that swimming faces in South Africa with more and more municipal pools being neglected and closed, MAKO Aquatics has always had to rely on utilizing private pools within premium gyms and fitness centers. Rental within these facilities is expensive and additional restrictions from these facilities limit the number of swimmers and potential swimmers from obtaining the training that they require to excel in swimming as memberships are required for them to make use of the facilities. Following the 2020/1 (Tokyo) and 2024 (Paris) Olympics, it has become clear that swimming has taken the lead in the Medal haul for South Africa. The National Coach, Rocco Meiring has made it clear that our swimming is behind other nations, and we need to plan how to get our swimmers on the international stage. Swimming is more than just a sport. It is a life skill that is seriously lacking in our society. In 2019, the World Health Organisation estimated 236,000 people died from drowning making drowning a major public health problem worldwide. This figure accounted for almost 8% of the total global mortality. Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional deaths, accounting for 7% of all injury-related deaths. The Duncanville Municipal Pool, once an iconic landmark in the town of Vereeniging, has gone to ruins as the local municipality has failed to ensure the upkeep of this once great facility. Recently taken photos depict the devasting condition of this facility. This is an example of an once state of the art swimming pool in which many galas and events were held and where coaches were welcomed to develop their swimmers. To repair this facility will cost Millions of Rands and the local Municipality does not have this within its budget or future forecasts. MAKO AQUATICS VISION FOR SWIMMING IN THE VALL MAKO AQUATICS NPC would like to take this opportunity to share our vision for an Aquatics Centre in the heart of the Vaal. MAKO Aquatics has identified an already constructed swimming pool at Three Rivers Christian Academy, a private school in Three Rivers Vereeniging that has been in the community for over 30 years. Together we have determined that by working together, we can create the first of its kind Aquatics Centre in the Vaal area. By making use of this facility already saves us enormous expenses in that of building a pool. Our aim is to open on the 1st September with a 2 phase development plan as outlined below: PHASE 1 Outdoor Swimming – 1st September 2024 to 31 March 2025 With an already constructed pool, MAKO Aquatics is aiming to raise the require funds to be operational by 1st September 2024 to enable us implement the required changes to the pool in terms of heating the pool to the required temperatures as well as acquiring the necessary accessories to make the pool usable for our swimmers. For swimmers to train comfortably, water temperatures of 27.5 to 28.5 degrees Celsius are required. To reach these temperatures, one of 2 methods can be used: Method 1 – Heat Pumps 3 x 65KW Inverter Heat Pumps – ITS65VPi3 @ R153,995 each = R461,985.00 (excl. VAT) 6 x 25m Solar Blankets with Rolling Stations @ R8,798 each = R52,788 (excl. VAT) Method 2 – Solar and Heat Pump Hybrid System 40 x ProSolar Solar Panels occupying the full available capacity of roof space available to be on specification of covering 60% of the water surface area of 300sqm – R98,999.00 for the systems (excl. VAT) 2 x 65KW Inverter Heat Pumps – ITS65VPi3 @ R153,995 each = R307,990 (excl. VAT) 6 x 25m Solar Blankets with Rolling Stations @ R8,798 each = R52,788 (excl. VAT) Heating is the primary step towards becoming operational and allowing swimmers to be able to train comfortably. Once the heating has been installed, additional financing is required for the following: Training and Development Equipment 5 x 25-meter anti-turbulent lane ropes @ R4,999.00 each – R24,995.00 6 x Starting Blocks @ R6,999 each – R41,994.00 2 x Sets Backstroke poles and Banting Flags @ R3,999 per set – R7,998.00 6 x Backstroke Wedges @ R4,999 each – R29,994.00 2 x 400mm Pace Clocks @ R3,999 each – R7,998.00 Filtration and Circulation The pool is currently fitted with 4 x 1.1KW Pumps each with 1 x 4 Bag Filter. To enable proper circulation of the water we need to install an additional filter to each pump. 4 x 4 Bag Filters @ R3,999.00 each – R15,996.00 PHASE 2 Year-Round Training – Construction of enclosure to pool – 1 April 2025 to 31 May 2025 The second phase of the project is scheduled for April/May 2025 when traditionally swimming pauses as the current season ends and the new season starts. We have identified this as the perfect time for us to begin construction on the enclosing of the pools and we are calling on engineers and construction companies to assist us in making it possible for our swimmers to train all year round enabling them to not only compete in the Summer Galas, but also the Winter Galas and other district galas. The enclosure of the pool will protect the swimmers against the harsh elements of Winter and making training possible throughout the year. Along with competitive swimming, the enclosure of the facility will allow for us to introduce Learn-2-Swim lessons to younger swimmers laying down the foundation for their future swimming careers. The offering of Swim Teacher and Coaching Development training will allow us to become a one stop destination for anything related to swimming and thereby growing future swim teachers and coaches. These valuable skills can make a difference to scholars embarking on their adventures in the real world. HOW CAN YOU BECOME INVOLVED? Our aim is to be able to offer Novice, School and Development Galas in the Vaal area to identify new swimmers and offer them the opportunity to become involved in swimming without having to lay out exorbitant amounts of money for premium memberships to fitness facilities. To succeed in this, we require your assistance in financing the above upgrades to the current facility and help enable us to offer the community of the Vaal with the first of its kind Aquatics Centre. Together with Three Rivers Christian Academy and MAKO Aquatics, branding and advertising solutions are available to your businesses both physically and online. Projected Return on Investment: While the specific return on investment will vary depending on the sponsorship level, we anticipate significant value for the sponsoring organization: Immediate Brand Recognition: Your company's name and logo will be associated with a high-profile community project, generating immediate visibility and brand recognition Long-Term Brand Loyalty: By investing in education and community infrastructure, your organization will foster long-term loyalty among learners, families, and community members Positive Public Perception: Sponsoring the aquatics centre demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility and community development, enhancing your organization's reputation and public image Networking Opportunities: Your involvement with Three Rivers Christian Academy and MAKO Aquatics will provide opportunities for networking with other sponsors, community leaders, and school stakeholders, potentially leading to new business partnerships or opportunities WHO TO CONTACT? For more information on becoming involved in this opportunity, we invite you to contact us to discuss how you can become involved. Bryan Coetzee Director Project Coordinator 061 589 7993 marketing@mako.org.za
As you are aware, Mandela Day holds immense significance in South Africa, serving as a momentous occasion to reflect on our progress as a nation while also recognizing the multitude of remarkable projects and initiatives that come to fruition on this day, thanks to the collective efforts of various stakeholders. In my capacity as a community manager, I have had the privilege of curating a diverse portfolio of communities, wherein I strive to foster positive change by facilitating the provision of essential resources and opportunities to underserved areas. It is with great enthusiasm that I extend an invitation to other stakeholders to explore the possibility of implementing one of our tailored projects on Mandela Day and build relationships beyond. Our proposed projects are meticulously designed to address the specific needs of different communities, ensuring a tangible and lasting impact. By partnering with us, you can play a pivotal role in supporting these initiatives, thereby contributing significantly to the betterment of underserved spaces in Cape Town. Moreover, I firmly believe in the concept of mutual benefit, and I am confident that our collaboration will not only allow your organization to make a meaningful difference but also provide invaluable exposure and recognition for your steadfast support.
Our structure is currently comprising of the undergraduates and graduates’ individuals who would like to contribute toward our community by ploughing back our skills and experience that we have acquired to the young students who are still at their lower and higher school grades around our area of Sasolburg. Currently, the five of us came up with this plan of doing extra tutorial classes starting from the winter school holidays of 2024. Our structure stands as follows: Mr Andile Mfazwe (Managing Director), Rozelle Blignaut (Treasury), Ranyane Musiwe (Secretary), Sibongile Khambule (General manager) and Thabang Rampai (Administration). Mr Mfazwe had a Business Administration Diploma and is currently busy with his BBA Degree majoring in Accounting and Economics and an SGB executive member around one of Sasolburg schools, Ms Rozelle Blignaut had an Educare N6 and currently busy with her Bachelor of Education degree with UNISA, Mr Ranyene Musiwe has a BA in education and currently a school teacher around Sasolburg schools, Mr Sibongile Khambule and had achieved his BSC Degree with Mathe-matics and Science and Thabang Rampai had completed his Visual Arts qualification. However, we are willing to welcome any other individuals amongst us who is interested to join us on this endeavor in order to add any kind of a value towards achieving it. Our theme is, “Nothing that can stop, your future is in your hands”, we have chosen this theme in order for us to see and focus at the bigger picture (conceptualizing)and encourage all those young ones in order to take all the opportunity that our beautiful country had to offer with both hands. We also want to inspire and motivate them in order to never give up and keep on moving forward regardless of the challenges that they are faced with. These extra tutorial classes will be conducted by tutors and qualified teachers in and around our local area of ward 17. We want to contribute positively to our society, we have already identify our temporarily place of operation, and the department of education has granted us the permission to utilise their premises. Our temporarily place of operation will be the old Sakhubutsha building just around Rosemary Connie Island. The reason behind the chosen place of operation is that, it is a convenient place with the necessary infrastructure that can cater for this project. Our target market is the Local town schools like HTS high school, Sasolburg High school, Affies high school, A.J. Jacobs primary school, Noord prima-ry school and Leeuwspruit primary school. The reason behind our market is that, these are our local area schools and most of the students that are attending in these schools are staying around our area but then, our services is open (welcome) everyone who is interested to attend regardless of place of stay especially around Sasolburg as the whole. We plan to offer with the following tutorials services: • Afrikaans, Indigenous and English languages • Accounting and Economics sciences, • Mathematics and Physical sciences • Drawings and Visual arts, • Sports and Cultural activities The reason behind this initiative, especially after we have done our research, we then find out that our area, is a divers and culturally mixed area, that have almost all our countries human races. There is a concerned problematic matter raised by our local community people, that is regarding the way our kids in our society negatively affected by socio economic and household’s challenges. They found themselves being inactive after they knock off from the school because of scarce re-sources like sports and cultural activities that is not there at all. At the end, they end-up wondering (roaming around the streets) and not being extra active at all. We then felt that we should do something about it, we then came up with this kind of an initiative that we are proposing to all mothers and fathers out there, potential business people and other stakeholders to lay a helping hand in order for us to achieve this goal. We are positively think that, if we can achieve this initiative of extra tutorial classes and sport activities, we’ll be able to save our countries future and that of the next generation to come. Remember that, by letting our kids to be involved in destructive activities that had a potential of ruining their future, is a ticking bomb that can lead us as a nation very close to extinction. As you may well be aware that, our country is at the brink of a high crime rate, drugs and human trafficking, that is becoming uncontrollable. We then felt that we should try and do something about it, and that’s one of the reason’s why we came up with this initiative of extra Tutorials classes, sports and cultural activities. We are aware of the fact that; our local schools are really trying to offer such related activities during the school hours but then still we felt that it is not enough. Here we are trying to offer with something that our kids we’ll be proud of and feel that it is theirs, meaning that they own it. Successful tutoring, like teaching, is not an exact science, it based on thorough planning good communication between student and the tutor. Tutorials serve to compliment schools classes. Specifically, they provide teaching and learning opportunities for which student assemble in (relative) small groups. That context allows interaction that are not feasible in school classes. It follows that tutorials are not repeat school classes- nor, indeed, are they classes of any kind rather, they provide opportunities for participation by individual student, who may respond to questions and pose questions of their own. How are going to plan an effective learning environment? That’s one of the question that we have asked ourselves and we came out to agree to the fact that, students are a very diverse group, coming from a variety of ethnic, religious, linguistic, social and economic backgrounds. We will need to take this into account and aim to create a safe learning environment so that all participants feel included. Our students will feel that they are part of a group We will have to acknowledged our students as individuals (speaking to them, or recognized them, or know their name. We will facilitate and support good relationship within the group. We will make sure that they are not put down if they make mistakes See to it that sessions aim is clear achievable Everyone had a chance to participate and get actively involved Make sure that we are anticipate the difficulties and problems that our student are likely to have How will be our first day tutorial classes? That’s the other question that we have asked ourselves during our synergy meeting. As tutors, we are mandated that we introduced ourselves when we are about to conduct a class (session) Write your name on the board and give a contact number and office hours (if you have) Do a getting to know each other session. This will get the student talking to each other and takes the heat off you (tutor) for a while. Discuss expectations about what will go on in the tutorials and negotiate some ground rules. Establish participation as one of the ground rules for contribution to the tutorials Learn your student names, as students will respond to you more if they feel that know you, and above all that t you know them How we will handle the conflicts during the sessions? That’s another question that we have pose to ourselves. We need to develop and maintain ground rules. Being able to refer to ground rules will of-ten help defuse a potentially irritating or disruptive problem Be assertive, this may involve you stating your opinion or request, listening actively to an-other person opinion, reflection back on what he/she says without comment or criticism, Confront the situation. Confronting has the connotation of aggression, but positive confrontation simply means stating you’re concern about behavior you find unsettling or disruptive. Self-disclosure can be useful We plan to offering after-school tutorials for every Monday to Friday from 15:00 afternoon and until Saturdays at 10:00 in morning. These tutorials will only rely on the fund raising that we are about to embarking on and the sponsors, donation, individuals, government, our local business people, firms and other stake-holders. We are planning to sell this initiative and proposal to all South Africans that are in and out of Sasolburg as the whole in order for it to be realized. We are planning to commence during the winter school holidays of June and July 2024 and will continue throughout the school year. Starting from next year (2025) we will start with the school calendar year. Tutorial will be broken up by grade level: • Afrikaans, Indigenous and English languages • Accounting and Economics sciences • Mathematics and Physical sciences • Geography and Biology • Technologies and Visual Arts • Sports and cultural Sessions Obviously and of cause, that ca not be feasible (realized) without the below kind of resources, this will help us for the registration of our students and know the exact number of students that we are dealing with. Also for the tutorial purpose like printing and photocopying. General stationery and equipment required: • Laptop/ Desktop/ Tablet • 2.04 + GHZ processor • 4+ gigs of RAM • A webcam • A built-in or external or external microphone • An internet browser • Google Chrome • An internet connection with a minimum: • 10 Mbps download • 10 Mbps upload speed Printer • Printer may be required at times General Stationery • Pens (blue/ black) • Pencil (grey/orange) • Eraser • Sharpener • Glue • 30cm Ruler • 4 x Exam Pads • Highlighters • Scissors • Calculators • 32 – page (primary school) / 72 page (high school) exercise book for each subject (this is recommended for activities and taking notes Accounting • Journals • Creditors journal • General Ledge • Column Journal • Lined Journal • Cash journal Afrikaans HI (Huistool) and EAT (Eerste Addisionele Taal) Handwordeboek van die Afrikaans Taal (HAT) Afrikaans / English pocket dictionary • Medium materials if possible (newspapers magazines, radio talks / dramas, television, television shows / documentaries Business Studies • Scientific Calculator Computer Application Technology (CAT) • Windows 10 or the latest • Microsoft office 2016 or 365 • Microsoft Word for documents • Microsoft Excel for Spreadsheets • Microsoft PowerPoint for slideshows / presentation • Microsoft Access for database (Grade 11-12) Economics • Scientific Calculator Geography • Scientific Calculator • Mathematical and Geometry set Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy • Scientific Calculator • Geometry set • Block paper Physical Sciences - Scientific calculator - Thermometer - Stopwatch - Geometry Visual Arts A4 hardcover visual diary (90-120g) Paint (acrylic or water based) and an extra tube of white paint Paint brushes (2 flat brushers, big and small, 2 round brushes, large and fine, Brushers with soft bristles are best 10 Sheets A3 Alpine board (355g) Puffy eraser Patel Arts Oil Pastel Data Acrylic ink 50ml black 30 sheets A4 butcher paper (45g), or tracing paper book 1 set of coloured pencil crayons 5 sticks of charcoal Feeding Scheme We are aware of the fact that especially in our area of Rosemary, there are student kids that comes from disadvantaged households, so it is one of our aim to see some sort of a feeding scheme that will cater for those young ones. As you might be aware that a meal a day makes a difference to a child future, so we are inviting our local supermarkets to come to the party for this one as part of their contribution (Corporate socio-Investment) towards this initiative. Equipment, Stationery and Sports Resources As we have already alluded from the paragraphs above, that it is through sports and education participation that we can unite not only our country but the word as a whole. So we then thought that by including sports activities like soccer, netball, and the others, shall we conquer. So we would like to invite all our local companies, individuals and the government to help us to fundraise for this initiative of extra tutorial classes tutorials. We are planning to have our first fundraising meeting towards the end of June 2024 and would like to invite all potential stakeholders in and around our local area of Sasolburg. We would like them to help us in fundraising for the project Basically, all of the above mentioned are our positive start towards the realization of these tutorials that we intend to facilitate as the Tutors and Teachers. Ours is the love (being patriotic) of our country and the passion that we have for education, we believe that, alleviating poverty and crime will automatically decrease with such initiatives. Our contact information is as follows: Ms Blignaut cell is 0780396530, e-mail blignautr192@gmail.com and Mr Mfazwe cell is 0646479988 and e-mail is mfazweab2@gmail.com -
Fisantekraal, where our flagship site is located, is an impoverished community in the Western Cape housing approximately 40 000 people in a densely populated area. According to the last output by Stats SA, Fisantekraal has a 60% unemployment rate, with many people surviving off government grants, specifically child grants. Fisantekraal also lacks access to education for many of the children living in the area; there are hundreds, if not thousands of children not attending school. The four local schools (two of whom are container schools), are struggling with high dropout rates due to gangsterism, teen pregnancy and apathy of parents towards education; they report that more than 20% of students drop out, which compounds the issue of poverty and perpetuates this vicious cycle into the next generation. Of those who are attending school, only 8.8% complete primary school, 18% go on to pass matric, and only 1.1% of children go on to any form of tertiary education. Fisantekraal is a semi-rural informal settlement with very poor infrastructure as well as a severe lack of resources and access to government or supportive services. Many of the households live at the national upper poverty line of ZAR 992 and lack essentials such as clothing, shoes, food, homeware, electrical appliances, toiletries and other basic necessities. The Online School Program commenced in 2022 when we recognised that we had a major social issue with a lack of schooling infrastructure in the Fisantekraal area. We progressively learned through the years of working with the youth and adults in this community that we needed an alternative to the current mainstream schooling that was not equipped to handle the number of children affected with trauma in the schools. From 2019 onwards, we had noticed a significant rise in bullying, behavioural problems and drop outs. Our research and work on the ground informed us that we needed to create an online school platform that would provide a reliable, safe space for the vulnerable learners. As an initial response we turned our office into an online school facility. We brought on partnerships with, DG and MorClick, who enabled us to provide 20 learners with Laptops and internet access. We believe that everyone should have access to quality education, but not just an education, a holistic system that works for them. Poverty or lack of infrastructure should not be allowed to prevent our youth and adults from achieving their educational goals. Our partner Think Digital Academy prides itself in providing world-class online learning to students all over the world. We present our curriculum in an interactive, engaging and effective way for virtual school students. The online program also caters for learners who are affected by social circumstances to prevent them from completing their educational program. We enable pregnant teenage girls to continue their schooling when they are not comfortable going to the mainstream school. A few of them completed their schooling year, gave birth to their babies and returned back to the Fisantekraal High School. We also help young boys who are severely bullied at the mainstream school to enrol in the online school and they are integrated back to the various schools once their circumstances have changed. Our literacy program addresses the issue of a very low level of reading which is well below the grade average. The literacy program offers our learners the opportunity to use our resources to learn the basics of literature in a non-judgemental environment. Our Bursary program assists the matriculants on our programs to fund the studies of their requested field. We have 3 students currently pursuing their studies, one of which uses our facility to complete her Online One Year Diploma in Interior Design.
