Education is the foundation of a better future, yet many schools struggle to provide even the most basic resources for their students, especially in remote areas. The Royal Drakensberg Education Trust helps transforms rural communities through quality education initiatives, mainly through investing in three key projects: Royal Drakensberg Primary, the Khanyisela Project and BabyBoost. Together with partners, they are creating swirls of positive change in the Northern Drakensburg.
Having access to books helps to improve literacy levels. We are collaborating to make a difference!
Our collaborative initiative aims to contribute towards a space where students can explore, learn, and dream. Beyond their classrooms and circumstances.
The Gini coefficeint is a measure used to quantify income equality, one of the largest problems currently facing South Africa. We’re committed to bridging gaps like this. Through strategic partnerships and initiatives, striving to create a more equitable future for all.
About the Royal Drakensberg Primary School
The Royal Drakensberg Primary School is an independent school located in the Northern Drakensberg region of KwaZulu-Natal. Established in 2007, the school caters to children from Grade 000 to Grade 4. The School is situated at the entrance to The Cavern, a popular family holiday destination.
Located in the heart of rural communities, the school faces significant challenges in providing essential resources for its students. Despite the shortage of educational materials in comparison to the massive demand, the children remain resilient. They are eager to learn, holding onto dreams of a brighter future beyond their current circumstances.
Royal Drakensberg School is the heart and the hub of the outreach work through the Khanyisela Project. Every teacher at Royal Drakensberg helps with community projects which range from training teachers, to reading to children, to providing daily porridge, and assisting the rural communities. By helping create pre-schools in the community that are inviting and warm. The children and their teachers are committed and eager to learn. Holding onto dreams of a brighter future beyond their current circumstances.
A message from the Royal Drakensberg Founder – Megan Bedingham
Literacy underpins all learning and having access to books and stories is an incredible gift to rural schools and communities. Storytime is a unique opportunity for children to be nurtured and to develop a love of words and language. It also provides a time for engagement and questioning. It creates a space for discussion and allows children the opportunity to talk about the things they love, things they are afraid of and maybe even the things that might make them sad. Through stories we develop important communication skills and it opens our eyes to the exciting world outside of our own small homes. And as a community, we are forever grateful for the partners that help us in making a significant difference in the lives of the children
Head of Royal Drakensberg Primary – Thobani Ndlovu
One dedicated leader at the forefront of this effort is Thobani Ndlovu. As the head of the school, he is passionate about quality education in rural spaces and improving young minds. Thobani is the type of leader who inspires us at Marsh Fidelity.
As our Director Daniel Marsh expresses, “Although we haven’t had the pleasure of meeting, Thobani’s impact on young people in hard-to-reach areas has already inspired me. His selfless leadership is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of education. Education, in my view, is one of the greatest ways to provide freedom, not only to ourselves but to others. It changed my life and we are grateful to have opportunities like this to work together with and support initiatives like this one in collaboration with The Royal Drakensberg Primary School and their teams“.
Why The Royal Drakensberg Education Trust Needs Books
Currently, The Royal Drakensberg Education Trust faces significant challenges in providing adequate reading materials for its students. Without stories, children have limited exposure to books, making it harder for them to develop literacy skills, expand their knowledge, and nurture a love for learning. Well-equipped reading corners will serve as a springboard for the children’s education journey, providing them an exciting place to read and grow.
A collection of stories serves as a source of inspiration and empowerment. By providing access to age-appropriate reading materials, we can improve literacy rates and academic performance, encourage independent learning and critical thinking skills, and create a safe and conducive learning environment.
Having spaces like this is a gateway to a world of discovery and adventure but it helps improve literacy levels too. In South Africa, 80% of grade 4 children cannot read with understanding. This startling statistic reminds us of the importance of books and stories in oral language development. This underpins the foundation of learning to read with understanding.
Reading corners and books create a space for storytelling. Teachers are trained in techniques to keep children engaged and interested and slowly we are building a culture of reading and fostering a love for books. Books open doors to the world, cultivating a deeper understanding and they provide insights to opportunities but we must start in their early years.
Story books create unique opportunities for families to connect and learn together. Stories allow children to question and engage with parents and educators, fostering a sense of community and promoting collaborative learning.
How You Can Help
This community initiative relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations, and the community at large to turn this dream into reality.
We aim to raise R25 000 to create a lasting change through the Royal Drakensberg Education Trust. These funds will establish reading corners and enhance students’ access to stories.
Items needed for the library and school include:
- Books – The children are encouraged to take books home each week. A contribution of children’s books towards the library will assist the school, as well as donations of books to the community schools. This will assist the teachers and community and help to keep new stories coming in.
- Shelving – Any assistance with shelving for books would help the schools in the community.
- Seating and Stationery – With the increasing number of children at the school, any donations towards the purchase of desks and seating will be appreciated. Stationery is also such an important part of the functioning of a school and any donations towards this will be greatly appreciated too. Paints, printing cartridges and glue have become quite expensive and any assistance to cover the cost of these items would be appreciated.
Any financial contributions and donations will also be greatly appreciated!
Help Marsh Fidelity Make a Difference
In our view, educated communities are empowered and safer communities. As a business that specializes in estates, wills and trusts. We have seen how education can open doors and help those around us feel confident from the knowledge shared. We hope to see this initiative make a difference and provide hope to young learners.
Every child deserves the chance to learn and grow in an environment rich with knowledge. By contributing to the Royal Drakensberg Primary School’s library project, you are investing in the future of young learners. Let’s work together to create a space and opportunities that will inspire generations to come.
For donations, partnerships or further inquiries, please reach out to our Director Daniel Marsh on 082 839 6160 or reach out to us on our social networks (Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram).
Your support can turn the pages of possibility into reality!
