An initiative between shipping group Safmarine and Capespan to support the role of early childhood education in rural South Africa was realised recently when two Grade R classrooms, constructed from decommissioned shipping containers, were handed to the Agter-Witzenberg farm community outside Ceres in South Africa's Western Cape region.
Capespan and Safmarine identified the need to provide the Agter-Witzenberg community with a facility that would give parents working on fruit farms in the area the peace of mind that their young pre-school children were receiving the necessary educational support and care.
'Safmarine shares your passion for developing this community by investing in the education of your children and it is our honour and our privilege to contribute towards a facility which will be used to nurture young minds,' noted Safmarine Southern Africa cluster manager Dirk Hoffmann. 'Education is without a doubt one of the most effective ways to alleviate poverty, unemployment and achieve social and economic equity in South Africa and we encourage you to continue your commitment to educating your youth.'
Safmarine donated the two 12m reefer containers which were converted into classrooms with the help of Cool Maintenance and award-winning industrial designer and architect, Y Tsai of Tsai Design Studio.
The two new classrooms - which were officially opened at the end of March 2013 - are able to accommodate approximately 40 pre-school children.
'The Capespan Foundation is committed to investing in corporate social development initiatives which not only provide an environment suitable for alleviating social challenges in our communities, but which also offer solutions which integrate the needs of all community stakeholders in fruit production,' added Capespan foundation manager Ansonette van der Merwe.
