Two members of Rotary Club Zimbali, Hans and Birgit Flender, were recognised last Thursday, October 1, for their contributions to education on the North Coast.
They were presented with the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow award for their work in raising money for the education of underprivileged children. The couple, who have been living in South Africa for the last nine years, are originally from Dusseldorf in Germany, and wanted to give something back to the people who need it most.
The Flenders started the Children’s Education Programme in January 2012 by approaching poorly funded government schools in the surrounding area and offering bursaries to pupils to help them complete their studies to matriculation and beyond.
This year marks the fourth year of operation for the initiative, which has seen all sponsored pupils in the programme’s first year from the two selected schools not only successfully pass their matric, but secure entry into national universities.
The programme is unique in offering further study opportunities to children from disadvantaged backgrounds by paying for their school fees, uniforms, stationery, field-trips and university applications.
“Because so many young people in this country cannot afford further education or the costs that come with schooling at any level, it would be impossible for them to have any opportunities to get an education without some kind of financial aid,” said Hans Flender.
The couple have made it possible for more than 100 pupils to benefit from the programme.
Since it began in 2012, the Flenders have raised an incredible €70 000 (R1.1 million) from sponsors in Germany, which has contributed to the annual bursaries of students.
The two schools benefiting from the initiative are Nkosibomvu Secondary School in Tongaat and Lenerea Secondary in Durban North, where the majority of pupils cannot afford even the most basic of supplies, like school uniforms.
The couple said that their biggest frustration was not being able to continue their financial aid through university, as the programme only offers sponsorship to the end of matric.
“It takes a lot of our time, but we love what we do as we can see that the funds are helping children, which is very rewarding,” said Hans, who said that the programme was also supported by eight Rotary clubs in Germany.
They also mentioned the challenges of running the Children’s Education Programme, which have not made their job altogether easy.
“Of the ten schools we reached out to, only one replied to us in writing that they wanted our support, so the lack of interest was quite alarming,” said Hans, who added that one headmaster refused to receive their bursaries because it was too much work for him.
“We are very optimistic about the future of the programme and we look forward to helping as many children as possible receive and achieve the education they deserve,” said Birgit, who highlighted their wish to get more outside support from the government, as education is a national priority.
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
