On Friday 4th November we held our Annual General Meeting for Kamvalethu. All our partner businesses and projects were invited for the celebration. We were taken through Kamvalethu’s journey from inception to where we are today as well as some more insight into the sustainable financial model.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was an interview with Mr. Keith Richardson from The Principal’s Academy (TPA) and his mentee, Mr. Halbert Mlindazwe from Bongolethu Primary School in Phillipi. They shared some of their experiences and insights into the state of education in South Africa. One of the elements that stood out for me was when Keith shared how only after joining TPA did he realise that he had been living and working in a bubble- removed from the harsh realities faced by so many around us.
The following week saw the staff across all the businesses we are involved in, put together starter school packs. These school packs consist of a school bag, school uniform, stationery and a personalised card for each of the learners progressing to Grade 1 from Ikhaya Labantwana Montessori (ILM) in Coffee Bay. This alleviates some of the burden faced by many of the families in the rural Eastern Cape.
For the staff supporting our kids at ILM, your final feedback for the year will be coming out over the next two weeks. Thank you for the generous way you have contributed over this last year. Next year we will be changing the sponsorship programme, moving towards a more child friendly approach. Details on this will follow early in the new year.
Warmest Regards,
Team Kamvalethu
