Knysna schools receive school bags full of stationery from Cape Forum

Cape Forum this past week handed over 49 of the 400 school bags, that the civil rights organisation donates to needy grade 1 learners in the Western Cape, to schools in the Knysna area. A total of 25 school bags – filled with stationery – were donated to the grade ones of Hornlee Primary School and 24 bags to Fraaisig Primary School. This donation is part of the organisation’s school bag project, which is being undertaken in collaboration with the Virseker Trust.

“Access to quality education is important and indispensable, especially at schools in the Knysna communities. Research has repeatedly shown that higher levels of education lead to lower unemployment. Cape Forum therefore hopes that this donation to the various schools will make an important contribution to the future of each of the learners who benefit from the project,” says Bernard Pieters, Cape Forum’s Head of Community Activation.

The very basic items on a grade 1 learner’s stationery list can cost a parent at least R580. In a province like the Western Cape, where hunger affects about 330 000 children and this figure has not decreased over the past two decades, it is understandable that thousands of learners’ parents simply do not have the money to purchase stationery.

“With great gratitude, we distributed 49 school bags at two primary schools; the joy on the children’s faces was indescribable. Many thanks to Cape Forum and the Virseker Trust for the opportunity to make a difference together,” says Anna Lombaard of AfriForum Youth’s Knysna branch.

“We believe that the donation of stationery will make a difference in the lives of the learners, especially as they officially begin their schooling. Every pen, pencil, dedicated teacher and hard-working learner brings the Western Cape closer to the day when the yoke of poverty can be shaken off for another family. We look forward to the success that lies ahead with these learners and their school communities,” concludes Pieters.

This year’s project was once again made financially possible by the Virseker Trust, AfriForum, the Trust vir Afrikaanse Onderwys and PEP, who provided significant discounts on the school bags and its contents. This year, Cape Forum was able to distribute more than double the number of bags compared to last year.

Get involved with Cape Forum today and help make a difference. Send an email to info@kaapseforum.co.za or join www.kaapseforum.co.za.