Corporate Social Investment
Bachana Mokwena School – Ga-Rankuwa
Bachana Mokwena School is located in Ga-Rankuwa and is named after Umkhonto we Sizwe Leader, Comrade Bachana Mokwena. The school was opened on 11 January 2006 with 720 students. Today, there are over 1,000 learners of which many are orphans. There is a high rate of unemployment in the area, and many of the parents are unable to pay school fees (being totally dependent on social grants).
In December 2011, the Principal, Harry Rapoo was recognised as the best primary school leader for the 2011 by Head of Department of Gauteng Province Mr Boy Ngobeni, MEC of Gauteng Department of Education Ms Barbara Creecy and Chief Director Mrs Zanele Mthembu.
At the 2012 National Teacher Awards in February 2012, Harry was again given recognition – this time as the best primary school teacher in the category “Excellence in Primary School Leadership” at national level. This award was presented by the Minister of Basic Education Mrs Angie Motshekga, Deputy Minister of Basic Education Mr Mohamed Enver Surty and Mr Plaatjie.
Angels Kitchen
Wheels Underwriting Managers (Pty) Limited has been involved in sponsoring various projects at the school since 2008 when the Angels Kitchen was set up. Wheels donated a 3-burner boiling table with six 50 litre aluminium stock pots, gas bottles and pap stirrers. The kitchen provides porridge for the orphans in the mornings as most of them are never sure of where their next meal is coming from.
The Foundation Phase Computer Centre
The Foundation Phase Computer Centre was officially opened by John Towsey (Chief Executive, Wheels) and Zanele Mthembu (Chief Director, Districts at the Gauteng Department of Education) on Friday 4 March 2011. Setting up the Computer Centre was a joint effort, and wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the following sponsors:
Wheels sponsored the screens, keyboards and mice as well as all the cabling, switches and power cords for the computers. Wheels also paid for the security at the Computer Centre as well as the signage.
Rand Water sponsored the computers. Chandrakant Patel represented Rand Water at the Opening.
Colbyn Electrical provided the power skirting, trunking and socket outlets for the computers. Lieb Bossenger and his colleague, Solly Mahapa, were present on the day.
Universal Paper and Plastics gave a cash donation which was used to pay for the desk tops. Both David Sher (Production Manager) and Jonathan Sher (Health and Safety Manager) came to the school for the opening.
The children donned all sorts of outfits, and put on very interesting displays. They were rewarded at lunch time with chicken burgers sponsored by Chicken Management Services (over 1,000 burgers were sponsored for all learners at the school).
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Lapalala Wilderness School
Wheels again sent 20 of the learners from Bachana Mokwena School together with their teacher (Happy Ntshabele) and principal (Sentsho Harry Rapoo) to the Lapalala Wilderness School in the Waterberg mountains (Limpopo province). The students were there from Tuesday 10 April 2012 and returned on Friday 13 April 2012.
For over 20 years, generations of children and adults from all walks of life have benefitted, and continue to benefit, from this exceptional institution. The Wilderness School is run by highly qualified and dedicated staff, and the schools’ aim is to educate and re-connect people with the natural world.
Lapalala Wilderness School offers opportunities to learn and grow, which are not found in an ordinary classroom. Pre-primary to postgraduate learners are given the opportunity to enjoy practical lessons and lectures, outdoor excursions and many other activities.
From learning about our cultural heritage to learning about our natural world and its wildlife, hands on learning benefits the students tremendously.
The Wilderness School also offers students the opportunity to meet and learn from guest lecturers, who are experts in various fields.
The combination of youthful minds, expert advice and practical opportunity within the Lapalala Reserve gives learners valuable insight into the world at large.
Some of the pictures taken can be viewed below.
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