Second donation of broiler chicks handed over to Skurweberg Secondary School

Earlier this month, Cape Forum facilitated the donation of a further 2 000 broiler chicks to Skurweberg Secondary School after the school had already made history in May this year by successfully completing its first broiler project.

The school, which previously raised approximately 1 950 chicks to maturity and recorded a net profit of more than R50 000, now aims to replicate the success of its first project. The broiler project enables Skurweberg Secondary School to generate a sustainable income while learners receive practical agricultural training. In short, the business model required the school to raise the chicks from the first cycle and then use the proceeds to fund subsequent cycles.

National Chicks donated the broiler chicks for both the first and now the second round of the project, while Meadow Feeds supplied feed to the school at cost price. The project follows after the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) approached Cape Forum for assistance in facilitating such a donation. This donation is made possible by Astral Foods, the largest poultry producer in Southern Africa, under the leadership of CEO Gary Arnold.

“Skurweberg Secondary School’s Agricultural Department has received a significant boost with the launch of the second cycle of its broiler project. Thanks to the generous donation from National Chicks and the continued support of Meadow Feeds, learners have the opportunity to put theory directly into practice,” says Dr Mariëtte Wheeler, WCED curriculum planner for Agricultural and Marine Sciences.

Ivan Fredericks, Deputy Principal of Skurweberg Secondary School and Head of the Agriculture Department, says the Western Cape school community is being genuinely empowered through the support of businesses and organisations such as Cape Forum.

“Cape Forum’s facilitation and continued involvement in making this project a reality are invaluable; National Chicks’ support also gives our project a flying start; and Meadow Feeds’ top-quality feed gives our learners the opportunity to work with the best possible nutrition,” he says.

This project directly supports Cape Forum’s education plan, which aims to create environments in which schools can operate more independently and sustainably. At the same time, it provides learners with valuable practical exposure to the agricultural sector, as well as to the principles of entrepreneurship, financial management and project management.

Cape Forum looks forward to working with Skurweberg Secondary School and the WCED to make this project a success.