Laerskool Kameeldrift is calling on the community and local businesses to support its upcoming golf day fundraiser aimed at improving sports opportunities for its learners.

The school, which serves about 1 324 learners from the surrounding community, will host the golf day at Seasons Golf Club on May 29, with registration starting at 08:00.

Funds raised during the event will go towards purchasing much-needed sports equipment, upgrading facilities and supporting learners who cannot afford sports attire or transport to matches.

School principal Marina van Niekerk said many learners at the school face difficult socio-economic circumstances, making sport an important outlet and source of support.

“Every day I see children arrive at school carrying heavy realities – unemployment at home, poverty and instability – yet they still show up with hope,” she said.

Van Niekerk explained that for many learners, school provides stability and opportunity that may not be available at home.

She added that many of their families are single-income households with limited access to transport and recreational resources.

“For many of our learners, school is not only a place of education but also a place of stability, structure and opportunity.”

She said sport plays a vital role in helping learners cope with the pressures they face outside the classroom.

“Sport is often their safe space. It keeps them off the streets. It gives them confidence. It gives them purpose,” she said.

However, the school is currently struggling with a shortage of sports equipment and resources.

According to Van Niekerk, the school urgently needs basic and replacement equipment for several sporting codes.

“The school is in urgent need of rugby balls, post covers and tackle bags; netball posts and bibs; soccer balls and training bibs; first-aid and training equipment; as well as general practice equipment for athletics,” she said.

She added that much of the current equipment is outdated or insufficient for the number of learners who want to participate in sports.

Van Niekerk said their goal is to create equal opportunities across all sporting codes so that every learner has the chance to participate and develop their talents.

Several sporting programmes at the school stand to benefit, including rugby, netball, soccer, athletics, cross-country and mini-sport programmes for younger learners in the foundation phase.

“The decision to host a golf day was inspired by the strong sense of community in our area and the popularity of golf as a networking and fundraising platform,” she said.

“A golf day allows businesses, community leaders and supporters to come together in a relaxed environment while contributing to the development of our learners through sport.”

The event is being organised by the school’s management team with dedicated staff members, who have played an active role in planning and co-ordinating the initiative.

She said their staff have been involved in planning the event, approaching sponsors, marketing the initiative and helping ensure that everything runs smoothly.

Community members and businesses are encouraged to get involved in several ways, including entering a four-ball team, sponsoring a hole, donating prizes or making financial contributions.

Companies and individuals can also support the initiative by sponsoring sports equipment directly.

“Any contribution, big or small, will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our learners,” Van Niekerk said.

Although no sponsorships have been confirmed yet, the school remains optimistic that the community will support the initiative.

Van Niekerk added that Laerskool Kameeldrift has always experienced strong community spirit and that the school is confident that businesses and stakeholders will come on board to help make this golf day a success.

She emphasised that sports play an important role in the development of learners who may be facing challenges at home.

“Sport builds discipline and resilience, promotes teamwork and leadership, boosts confidence and self-esteem, and provides a positive outlet for stress,” she said.

The school has already witnessed the positive impact that sports can have on learners.

“We have seen learners who struggled academically or socially flourish on the sports field, gaining confidence and a renewed sense of purpose,” she said.

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