Education & Literacy Project

New Project in the making:

The first steps were taken on a brand new project for the club with huge potential to become an international multi-club project with all the earmarks for a global grant.

The Beginning:

The brainchild of one passionate man, Solly Themba, who runs the  introduction to conservation and SANParks role in conservation and South Africa - within the entire Kruger region. Solly organises the Walk and Learn on the Wildside (WALOW) programs for high school grades 11 upwards in Kruger Park.

The aim of this project is to introduce the concept of tourism and nature conservation to the grade 10 - 12 student around the Kruger Park area (which is a very large geographical area). He sees every community high school as the future workforce for parks through tourism and conservation. Solly approach the School for Tourism and Hospitality (STH) at the University of Johannesburg and Dr. Peta Thomas got on board. 

Dr. Thomas contacted PP Steve du Plessis to discuss the possibility of Rotary involvement and getting books to the libraries in the area. After several meetings and a meeting with Solly in Hazyview, the seed was planted and construction of a business-plan started. The concept is well on its way with inputs from all concern to shape the final draft.

Dr. Thomas and four of her students arrived at the Humanitarian Distribution Center to collect books for two libraries in the Kruger Park area. The students got going with the book selection and collected 1,238 books for their first assignment. This is just a pilot to get the feel of the logistics involved and also to get a better idea of the project as a whole.

Just imagine, students helping graders in communities to educate them for the future.... this is what Rotary is about. The young assisting the generation after them to uplift them for the future.

Once the project is fully noted and the final plans are on paper, other Rotary Clubs will be approached with the full concept to get their buy-in and support. Specially the clubs around the target area and international clubs focusing on education and literacy. Below is the trailer with the books, the beginning of a super project!!

Thank you to all the student who have assisted in collecting the books, you are an awesome bunch of young people!!