KNYSNA NEWS - The Knysna Education Trust raised R520 000 for local pre-school children at the successful inaugural Big Swing Golf Day held at the Simola Golf and Country Estate on Friday, October 1.

The primary objective of the Golf Day was to raise funds for the Adopt-a-Child Education programme, which costs R130 per child per month to educate and monitor these children. In all cases parents are obliged to pay at least a small portion of the monthly fee, or to pay in kind.

The event was supported by golfers countrywide as well as several generous corporate and individuals who donated prizes and auction experiences to the event.

"It was particularly gratifying to witness the generous support of local golfers and businesses that enthusiastically participated in the day and sponsored various aspects of the event," said Gina -Lee Nel of Knysna Education Trust.
Most golfers agreed unanimously that the Big Swing was amongst the most successful and well managed golf days that they had attended. "This was thanks to the efforts of ten remarkable local Knsyna ladies who worked tirelessly to put on a show that Knysna can be truly proud of," explained Nel

The Knysna Education Trust actively supports 27 schools, which care for over 1500 children. "The stark reality is that the absence of these facilities would result in multiple children having to fend for themselves during the day. It is undisputed that the nourishment and quality of pre-school education is a primary determinant of the child's successful education at primary and secondary school levels," explained Nel.
The Trust focuses on enhancing the quality of education, nourishment, care and facilities for pre-school children in the poorest communities in the Knysna district.

She continued: "As we know, government, provinces and local authorities are far behind in the task of establishing, governing and supporting pre-school education facilities. The Trust assists these informal schools and facilitates their migration towards registration for government subsidisation."
Funds raised from the Golf Day will also be used to support the Trust's efforts to create new facilities and to improve existing school facilities to comply with minimum criteria as set out by government, thereby ensuring an adequate learning environment through which these facilities can apply for government subsidisation.
Additional activities of the Trust include, teacher development, funding of imp
roved education tools and techniques, feeding schemes, and assistance with the process of registration with the Department of Education and Social Services.

A big thank you is extended to the corporate and local sponsors that contributed to the success of the day. Table of Ten (TOT) ladies, all volunteers, were instrumental in ensuring a professional event was experienced by all participants. The event was won by the dynamic foursome, Di Peters, Vanessa Cloete, Hilda Hofmeyer and Marisa Murphy on 98 points.
"The Trust would like to thank all participants who contributed towards making the day memorable and for contributing to a better life for our less fortunate children of the Eden area."

For more information on the Trust's Adopt a Child's Education campaign go to www.knysnaedutrust.co.za, or call the Trust on 044-382-4638 if you would like to become a volunteer.


The inaugural Big Swing Golf Day’s winning ladies four ball: Vanessa Cloete, Di Peters, Marisa Murphy and Hilda Hofmeyer.