This month, as we celebrate Heritage Month, we also recognise the importance of literacy, with International Literacy Day falling within this period. It is a time to reflect on the rich diversity of our heritage while acknowledging the power of education and reading in shaping the future. Literacy empowers communities, strengthens knowledge, and opens doors to opportunities, making it a fitting complement to the celebration of our cultural roots.
In line with these celebrations, EasyEquities is proud to introduce its latest Donate for Good beneficiary: the Kids of Kurland School Project. This remarkable organisation was also featured last year, and we are excited to continue our support for their ongoing work in providing education, life skills, and holistic development to children in the Kurland community.
By partnering with this organisation, EasyEquities continues its commitment to social impact and meaningful community engagement.
Bringing Change Through Education
The Kids of Kurland School Project, established in 2001, supports children in Kurland village, a rural township near the Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve, 20 km from Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. The village faces high unemployment, alcoholism, HIV, and domestic violence, and the local primary school has too few teachers for the number of children attending. The Kurland School Project was founded to improve education in Kurland village by addressing severe classroom overcrowding, where some classes had more than 60 learners. For the past 20 years, the charity has funded extra teachers, reducing class sizes and creating a more effective learning environment.
"This year, national budget cuts led to the loss of a government-funded teacher, forcing two classes to be combined into one with 67 learners. The project stepped in to fund another teacher, but this requires raising even more funds to sustain the support. Without outside help, the school cannot reduce class sizes. By funding additional teachers, the Kids of Kurland School Project continues to create a more effective learning environment for the children of Kurland Village," the organisation explains.
Ann Fermor, the charity’s chairperson, adds: “We hope to continue this good work through the generous donations we receive, ensuring that children in Kurland can learn in classrooms where they are given the attention and opportunities they deserve.”
The project also runs life skills programs that focus on empowerment, functional behaviour, capacity building, coping skills, child safety, and AIDS education. These programs support children directly while encouraging them to educate their parents, helping to build a stronger community. Through the project’s efforts, children, staff, and parents have gained knowledge, improved social skills, and fostered a more positive environment.
Carel Nolte, EasyEquities' Chief Enablement Officer, explains that, “The Kids of Kurland School Project nurtures both heritage and literacy by empowering children with knowledge, life skills, and a deeper connection to their community’s roots.”
EasyEquities is also a proud sponsor of the Otter African Trail Run next month. The event has long been a supporter of the Kids of Kurland School Project. "By engaging with community initiatives like these, we are also actively contributing to the growth, education, and empowerment of children who will one day shape the future," Carel added. To learn more about "Donate for Good," click here or below.