Fixing schools, filling tummies

KNYSNA NEWS - Local chain food outlet Spur Steak Ranches raised just over R81 000 to help people and organisations affected by the fires that ravaged Knysna in June last year.

The Full Tummy Fund, a Spur Foundation initiative, matched the funding and identified schools in the Knysna region needing assistance. The Spur Foundation through its Full Tummy Fund mainly focuses on early childhood development and nutrition for children from disadvantaged communities up to the age of six.

The organisations they support focus on training ECD practitioners, equipping ECD Centres with educational material as well as ensure these children receive proper nutrition while at school.

The Full Tummy Fund is taking the long-term view, "South Africa can only grow if we are able to address the developmental challenges facing its citizens. By starting with children in the first six years of life, we are laying a strong educational foundation upon which a healthier, more prosperous and better society may be built."

Spur Foundation manager Tara Theron says while these educational facilities in Knysna weren’t directly affected by the fires, many parents of children who attend these centres lost their homes and/or their jobs to the flames. “As a result, they have been unable to pay their children’s school fees. However, the day care centres were not prepared to turn the affected kids away, despite these facilities struggling financially and still having to keep up with the maintenance of the schools, pay teacher salaries and feed the children.” Theron explains.

Renovations and nutrition

Theron adds that through the funds raised from public donations, as well as their own efforts, they will be upgrading the facilities at Tinkerland Nursery School and providing nutritional support for the 2018 school year to some of the local schools affected by the fires.

Tinkerland Nursery School, which cares for 69 children from six months to six years, had their roof ripped off by the wind storms during the fires. In addition to painting the facility, putting in a new ceiling, waterproofing and insulating the building, the Full Tummy Fund will be connecting the school to the plumbing and electricity available at the plot.

Talking about other items that were donated the school principal and founder, Elmarie Maxim, says they have also received a fridge, solar power geyser, shelving, teaching equipment and educational toys.

“The support will make a real difference, I believe that your environment has the ability to bring out the best in you. I think that my teachers will be more motivated to go on with their daily activities and the children will be excited to come to school because it will be a beautiful place for them – with new things to see and do. Most importantly, it will be a safer space where they can learn and develop,” says Maxim.

The upgrades to the facility will assist Tinkerland in getting them closer to registering with the Department of Social Development.

Give a hand up, not a hand-out

”This will enable the facility to receive a government grant and allow us to step out and assist the next school, which is in line with our philosophy of giving a hand up, not a hand-out.” With the grant Elmarie can become a small business owner, and employ more women from the community - contributing both to gender empowerment and sustainability, Theron explains.

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who donated, regardless of whether it was R5 or R500, it will make a massive difference in these children’s lives,” concludes Theron.

The highlight of the day was not only seeing the children’s faces when they entered their newly renovated school and new educational toys but Falcon Creek Spur treated them to a Spur party with burgers, chips, face painting, balloons and a lucky packet each.

Children from Tinkerland daycare centre in Concordia enjoying burgers from Spur. Photo: Nwabisa Pondoyi