During a recce to the Willomore Primary School in 2007, the Touch Africa Team, found an abandoned bus in a garage on the school property. The bus had been out of use for more than 12 years which resulted in a drop in attendance and children as young as six years of age having to walk 8km a day to get to and from school, often times without shoes. Touch Africa rehabilitated the bus with the help of many sponsors including Algoa Bus, Lace Auto, Icon Digital, Queens Motor Spares, Engen, Rayvens, and returned it to the school. Attendance has increased and new pupils have enrolled. The children are so proud of their bus and take great care to keep it clean.
This project was one of the most heartwarming we have done to date. Being able to effect such a simple solution which has made such an enormous difference in the lives of these children.
There are other buses in the area that need attention. If you would like to adopt a school bus for rehabilitation contact Elise Fish on 076 170 6449.
The 2007 Enduro Africa riders were so moved by the plight of schools in the area through which they rode along the Wild Coast, that they immediately put their hands in their pockets and raised enough money to equip the Gojela School with a much needed Jungle Gym and new desks and chairs. Future Enduro Africa rides will see more and more schools in the area being assisted by the wonderful generosity of overseas off road riders. (For more information on Enduro Africa go to www.redcherryadventures.co.za)
When the Touch Africa Team arrived at the Storms River School it was evident that not only did classrooms need attention, electronic equipment was required as well. These needs were taken care of. However, what struck the team was the fact that the children were being fed by a local mother who had to get up at 5am to meet the bread truck and then walk with bread and pots to the school to cook for the children. We found her washing pots on the grass outside the school.
What transpired can be seen in the pictures. A brand new mobile kitchen sponsored by McCain Foods now graces the school from where the daily lunches are prepared and served. This was indeed a huge success and more and more kitchens are needed in the area. Contact Elise Fish on 076 170 6449 if you would like to become involved in the mobile kitchen project.
