Children at two rural schools have received a simple learning aid that will give them a greater chance to advance their futures.
A school bag. But not any bag. These are ‘repurposed’ bags made out of recycled plastic bags, fused together at a high temperature.
What makes the bag even more special is that the design includes a solar panel that charges during the child’s walk to school and transforms into a solar lantern to study for up to 12 hours. “We believe that children should worry about calculating maths sums not the cost of purchasing paraffin and candles,” said Kat Miller of the Dave Rattray Foundation that partners with schools to improve access to quality education in rural communities.

“We are delighted that our partners Rethaka handed over the 255 Repurpose Schoolbags generously donated by Epsilon. The learners of Hlazakazi and Matutshana Primary Schools were the lucky recipients and as the sun broke through the clouds, the solar panels were immediately put to work!”
Added features on the bags include retro-reflective material to make the child more visible to motorists while walking to and from school. The waterproof material protects the books as ‘there’s there’s nothing worse than wet books and a child not being able to show off their completed homework.’

The vision of The David Rattray Foundation is a reality

For the past nine years, The David Rattray Foundation has been working with local schools in the Umzinyathi District to raise the standard of education available to young learners in rural communities.
David was tragically killed in February 2007 at his world-famous lodge, Fugitive’s Drift.
But his vision of uplifting the community has blossomed: since 2007 the Foundation has improved the prospects of over 8 800 children through the provision of vital resources and infrastructure for local schools such as additional classrooms, libraries and teacher development and training.
“There has been a 48% improvement in pass marks, 32% increase in learners progressing to tertiary education and a 56% improvement in student retention at our schools. Along with these transformational changes, an increased determination and motivation can be seen in our pupils, pushing themselves to succeed,” said Ben Henderson, CEO.
“Our next focus is the development of a Community Resource Hub which will be utilised by all schools in the local area, marking an exciting period of transition for the Foundation and a positive new direction in the strong partnerships already established with our schools.
“The Community Resource Hub will be a centre of excellence both in terms of the facilities and the quality of teaching, offering educational development beyond the reach of the current facilities at the local schools.
“The Centre will provide access to top-of-the-range computing and scientific technology, as well as drama production equipment, and will provide a venue for future teacher development workshop.”