Over one thousand learners at Orleansvale Primary School, located in Chicago, Paarl East, witnessed on Friday 1 September 2017 the realisation of a dream that was created in 1981. A roof constructed over the school quad now provides learners, and the greater community, with an area that is protected from rain and heat.
The Franschhoek-Paarl Valley is known for its extreme weather conditions – ranging from bitter cold, rainy winter days to summer temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius. For over 35 years, Orleansvale Primary School has had a dream to one day build a roof over their quad.
Elmo Cairncross, Principal at Orleansvale Primary School, tirelessly worked on making this dream a reality over the years. “For too long, our children have been denied a comfortable shelter and place to gather”, he said. The Val de Vie Foundation was introduced to his dream through Khula Development Group, which subsequently led to a fundraising event at Pearl Valley, the annual Celebrity Golf Day, where all funds were donated to the development of the roof.
The 2017 Vodacom Shop Celebrity Golf Day, presented by Safari Outdoor and held at Val de Vie Estate’s Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, provided adequate funds for the tablets. Internet access for the two test classrooms is provided by Remgro.
Ryk Neethling, Marketing Director and Shareholder of Val de Vie Estate paid a visit to Klapmuts Primary on Friday 16 March 2018 and was taken on a tour to the two classrooms where the tablets are used to educate learners in various subjects, with the integration of textbook-based activities.
Two computer rooms with state-of-the-art equipment teach learners to read and write with the help of advanced computer programs. A fully equipped library, also open to the public, has an impressive collection of books for the 1530 learners from gr.R to gr.7.
Lorraine Hadfield, Val de Vie Foundation advisor, commented: “If we are able to provide all our schools with the equipment they need to meet the demands of this Digital Revolution, all our children will thrive.”
The learners of Klapmuts are further equipped with life skills in the weekly ‘Kidpreneur’ and ‘Miniprenuer’ programs, an extra-curricular subject where the value of entrepreneurship and management of finances are taught from a young age.
On a beautiful and bright Spring Day 2017, learners from Orleansvale Primary School said thank you to all involved through beautiful song and poetry and were treated to a bag of snacks from The Val de Vie Foundation.
At a special afternoon ceremony that followed, Mayor Conrad Poole officially unveiled the area.
“Orleansvale Primary School has always been a beacon of hope in the community, as it is the nearest place of safety to residents living in dire circumstances. The new roof most certainly has lifted the spirits of the community, and will be enjoyed for many years to come”, said Dalene Labuschagne from Khula Development Group.
Lorraine Hadfield, Val de Vie Foundation Advisor, said: “Today you could almost touch the excitement in the air as learners witnessed the unveiling of a structure that will eventually transform into a fully walled building as funding allows. Our hearts are today overjoyed witnessing how this memorable occasion will affect positive change in the community.”
The Val de Vie Foundation’s mission is to give back to the larger community to help create a better life for all. It is primarily funded by 1% of all developer sales income and 5% of HOA levies from new homes. We target to distribute R100m in the next 8 years to numerous viable community projects in the Berg River Valley. www.valdeviefoundation.co.za
Khula Development Group believes that we can make a difference through love and education. The mission of Khula is to integrate children at risk of dropping out, back into the school system, which is the backbone of the organisation. www.khuladg.co.za
View the video of the Orleans Primary Roof Construction on Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/s/zvmck8ulo6jm1uj/Celeb%20Golf%20Day%20video.mp4?dl=0
