Community Stories: August 2011

MySchool

Some comfort for Rooipan Primary School

Rooipan Primary School is situated on the farm Rooipan in the North West Province on the N14 towards Ventersdorp. The school consist of 2 classrooms and a small office that is also the library and kitchen. The school has long drops for bath rooms for the 43 learners currently attending.

Rooipan’s learners’ parents are farm workers and unemployed people living on the farms in the surrounding areas. This section 21 school (i.e. no school fees) receives a small subsidy from the Department of Education, however the subsidy hardly covers all the expenses of a school to give the learners optimum education, plus support the feeding scheme.

Many of the children in the surrounding area do not have transport to and from school. There are some children that walk up to 22km to get to school daily. The school has recently started a small boarding school for the children that have transport problems.

When we heard that the children were sleeping on the floor, MySchool decided to pitch in and donated 36 much-needed mattresses.

If you would like to help this impoverished school and ensure that their children’s needs are met, please contact the school on: 083 573 7445.

Oakhill School makes a heart-warming difference (Knysna)

As part of the MySchool “twinning” strategy, where a well-resourced school uses their MySchool funds to assist an under-resourced school; Oakhill School purchased a much needed microwave oven for Rondevlei Primary School located near Knysna and Sedgefield. 

The microwave will aid this rural school’s feeding scheme which provides for 76 learners on a daily basis. The staff of Woolworths Knysna also partnered with Oakhill to raise funds to equip the school’s kitchen with a chest freezer.

These two appliances, which many of us may have and can so easily take for granted, will impact greatly on this school’s efforts to ensure that their community’s children are fed.

Oakhill also shared a “Morning of Drum Beats & Sports” with Rondevlei Primary under the instruction of Nidhi from Drum Café.  The structured rhythm, the motor co-ordination, the creative energy and the delight of a music session left the 35 children from Rondevlei happy, energised, excited and wanting more!

In our experience, “twinning” is definitely a “winning” strategy!

Leading through reading

Thanks to the funds generated by MySchool supporters, Atholl Heights Primary School re-launched its Comprehensive Reading Programme into an ultra modern laboratory now equipped with 34 computers and colourful, creatively-inspiring wall charts. This programme assists learners before, during and after school – encouraging them to read, and empowering them with the knowledge and abilities to succeed. The re-launch has had a positive impact on all the learners – and further reminds all that every swipe does count!

 

 

Little hands reach out (Knysna)

The learners of Little Elephants Pre-Primary School and Daniel Marais from Waltons Knysna recently visited Vermont Elderly Home to decorate the rooms of its residents.   The Little Elephants were eager to start beautifying the blank walls of the old aged home and leave a colourful impression. Thanks to the generous paper and stationery sponsorship from Waltons, these Little Elephants not only brightened the walls, but brightened the faces of the residents and staff of Vermont. Isn’t it inspiring what little hands can do and are you challenged to do more too?

 

 MyVillage  

Recycled treasures for SARDA

Fifty Grade 3 students from Herschel Primary School blessed the SA Riding for Disabled Association (SARDA) with shoe boxes filled with “treasures”. These remarkable learners transformed their old shoe boxes into beautifully decorated horse-themed gift boxes with stationery and toys inside. Riders from Vera, Belporte, Mary Harding and Glenbridge Schools were delighted to receive these wonderful gifts.

 

Well done to the Grade 3 students from Herschel Primary School and their Teacher for showing such exemplary social responsibility.

Make SARDA one of your beneficiaries and give back to even more disabled riders.

 

 

Stepping up!

The South African Ballet Theatre (SABT), a non-profit making organisation based in Johannesburg joined the MySchool programme in 2009. 2011 marks the SABT’s first decade and it will present Balletomania! - a Celebration of The South African Ballet Theatre’s 10^th anniversary as part of the annual Arts Alive International Festival at the Joburg Theatre. The Arts Alive International Festival was established in 2001 after the closure of the State Theatre in 2000, SABT has forged a central niche in the local dance sector and this anniversary is indeed a proud moment.

Performing in Balletomania! is celebrated Principal dancer Burnise Silvius. Ms Silvius’ is known for her crisp technique, dramatic performances and beautiful stage presence. Ms Silvius wears bespoke pointe shoes imported from the Freed of London factory.

Due to the current exchange rate, SABT was unable to provide Ms Silvius with her special pointe shoes for this season however thanks to the funds raised through MySchool, Burnise will receive a new shipment in time for the Balletomania! season.

September bookings for Balletomania! are through the Joburg Theatre on 0861 670 670 or www.joburgtheatre.com. For more information please visit www.saballettheatre.co.za or www.artsalive.co.za .

 

MyPlanet

An unbreakable bond

After 10 weeks of “picture perfect” voting, the Me & MyPet SPCA/MyPlanet Photo Competition has concluded. The winners are 5 year old Bradley Beisser and his dog Chelsea, who were awarded a R1000 Woolworths gift card. What made this entry unique from the 10 other finalists and thousands of other entries was the special bond that was evident between the pet and its owner.

Other winners were Ren and her cat Stoney who received a R500 Woolworths gift card and Rebecca and Honey who were awarded a R250 Woolworths gift card, sponsored by MySchool.

All ten finalists received uShaka Marine World tickets and goody bags for their participation.

Caroline, the Head of Marketing for the SPCA, confirmed that the Me & MyPet SPCA/ MyPlanet Photo Competition will become an annual one. If you are a pet owner, this gives you even more reason to take photos of you and your favorite pet.

If you would like to support the SPCA’s continued efforts to take care of South Africa’s pets – apply for your MyPlanet card today, and show how much you care!