#MandelaMonth: Klipstone Transport helps to grow Eldorado Park Primary

Tell us more about the donations from Klipstone Transport. Why these donations in particular?

Klipstone: Unitrans Klipstone wanted to invest in a project which would have a long lasting meaningful impact in a community where the community leaders would take accountability to ensure that the investment is secure. Their brief was that the project should address hunger, sustainable food solutions and include an activity for children where they could play and learn in a safe environment

How will these donations impact on the recipients?

Klipstone: The building of the kitchen created an opportunity for local unemployed and unskilled workers to earn an income and learn, by pressing the bricks which will be used to build the kitchen. The kitchen will give the school more space to prepare meals for more people than they serve on a daily basis currently.

The vegetable tunnels will provide fresh organic produce within six to eight weeks and is a sustainable solution to address a part of nutrition that children need to learn better. Community members are trained to manage the veggie tunnels – watering, harvesting, planting seedlings seasonally and to record details of the produce they harvest to establish the impact it has had on the community. In addition to providing for the kitchen and feeding scheme, excess produce will be shared with people in need in the community.

The mini driving school will not only provide a healthy workout for the kiddies through exercise, but they will also learn about road signs and rules of the road in a fun, playful manner. Bulk water storage tanks will be installed to harvest rainwater. All the above will impact the school and community for many generations to come.

How and why was Eldorado Park Primary chosen?

Klipstone: Eldorado Park Primary School has been on the list of schools Acorn Foundation had hoped to help as soon as we had the funding, as it is a very underdeveloped, but passionate community, who just needed someone to reach out and help the more than 1,000 children and other people who are vulnerable. After the assessment, we connected with the principal and community and we are happy that Unitrans’s investment is secure and that the community is committed and accountable.

What drives Klipstone’s CSI initiatives?

Klipstone: Klipstone wants to be involved in giving back to the communities in the areas in which they work and where their employees live. Their main focus being on education and sustainability. Children can’t learn on an empty stomach, and if they get the right nutrition, they will be physically equipped to absorb information and become educated.

Beyond the donations made on Mandela day, will Klipstone stay involved in the project? If so, how and to what end?

Klipstone: Klipstone, in conjunction with Acorn Foundation, will visit the school on a regular basis to monitor and evaluate the success and impact of this project. Needs change and Klipstone wants to be there to identify any further assistance required so that this can be addressed immediately. This is a long term investment, in time, money and passion.

How did Klipstone spend 67 minutes for Mandela day?

Klipstone: Klipstone, local councilors, Acorn Foundation, school children and staff and community members pressed bricks which would be used to build the kitchen. Trenches were dug for water and electricity supply to the kitchen. After a beautiful rendition of our National Anthem, scholars entertained everyone present with happy smiling faces and beautiful songs, celebrating the life and legacy of Madiba.