Ronan Lennon accepts the award on behalf of Capespan, from Janis  Mowlam, Trustee of School-Aid

Ronan Lennon accepts the award on behalf of Capespan, from Janis Mowlam, Trustee of School-Aid

Capespan has been given an award in recognition of its contribution to the distribution of educational material, clothes and equipment to schools and projects in and around Cape Town.

Representatives from the charity School-Aid, visited Capespan on January 24 to present the Sheerness-based fruit company with the award. Schools and organisations in the UK donate goods to the School-Aid charity, which can range from desks and chairs to books and science equipment.

As an example of the benefits, in August of last year, 22 pallets were delivered to Cape Town, by Capespan, for distribution to schools and projects in and around Cape Town. The shipment included books for the Khanya Primary School, Grannies Against Poverty and AIDS and Klipdrift Primary School, fabric and sewing materials for the New World Foundation, and cricket and football kit for Sporting Chance. Urgently needed football kit for Ambassadors in Sport arrived just in time for their football event.

The award reads: "There is a considerable willingness among schools and people in England to recycle educational items to be used by less privileged pupils. Many schools in Africa have a desperate need for such items to help their enthusiastic pupils learn and prosper. School-Aid's good fortune is to have been introduced to Capespan. “You have generously supported us with container space, and guided us with your expertise. It is not an exaggeration to say that thanks to you, a solid bridge has been built between two diverse communities. This has given hundreds of South African youngsters the chance to follow their passion for education.

“We greatly value the generosity of all our friends at Capespan, and would like to express our gratitude on behalf of the School-Aid team, our donating English schools and our individual donors. Thank you for caring and making the dreams of so many come true."