March 12, 2018 - Through the kind efforts and donations from past Shamwari Conservation Experience students, from various schools and colleges and volunteers at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, is sponsoring the Hendrik Kanise Combined School in Alicedale, in the Eastern Cape, with enough funds to employ a new English school teacher, Mrs Letitia Lulama Nesi to fill the vacant position. She will now teach Grade 4 and 5 (10-12 year olds). 

Mrs Nesi was brought out of retirement to take up the role as the English teacher for 2018. This is a reality for many rural schools in South Africa where the government has been unable to deliver the necessary resources for quality education, leaving students hampered in their development to go on to further education opportunities and create a successful adult life.  

Comments Quinton Gillson, Marketing & Product Development Manager, “It really is heart-warming to have been able to make this happen and to play a part in the education process of the next generation within our community. We hope that by assisting with the funds that year upon year the children will grow to their full potential and also see the importance of community spirit.”    

Presently, some of the grade classes are so large (one with 66 children and not enough tables and chairs that the workload is overwhelming and there is no time for special attention for individuals who fall behind. We are going to start helping with English and math extra classes soon (ages 6-10 years), with the help of our volunteers. 

We have already implemented computer literacy classes as some of the learners have never touched a computer and the idea is to give them basic classes to benefit them for when they leave school. Adding to this the Shamwari Conservation Team does a great deal of maintenance at the school, such as cleaning gutters, looking after the vegetable gardens, fixing windows, painting etc. 

The students at HKC School now have the opportunity to develop their vocabulary and improve their marks for 2018! Our plans for the future aim to start a fundraiser where anyone can contribute to the efforts of ‘Team Shamwari’ in local communities so please visit our social media platforms for updates in the near future. 

Editor’s Notes:The Shamwari Conservation Experience is a once in a lifetime chance to get behind the scenes and involved with the conservation efforts of the world renowned Shamwari Private Game Reserve. 

This press release has been distributed on behalf of Shamwari Conservation Experience at Shamwari Game Reserve.