Ziwaphi Relentless quest for the truth
More than 1500 learners at Inkhanyeti and Legogoto Primary schools in White River, Mpumulanga, will for the first time experience learning and writing on their own desks instead of each other’s backs, thanks to Timbercity and Tutudesks.
Tutudesks is an initiative of the Tutu Desk Foundation, which aims to provide 20 million desks to learners by 2020. The Timbercity Tutudesks desks are sturdy, easily portable, and a life changing solution for learners in under resourced schools.
Founder & COO of Tutudesk Shane Immelmann, said that over 50% of the learners at under resourced schools were forced to write on their laps, on the floor or even using each other’s backs for support.
“When we heard about the need at the schools, we were happy to be part of the solution,” said Murishca Martheze, Brand Manager of Timbercity. “It fits in perfectly with our Wood for Good CSI programme, and also gives us the opportunity to introduce a younger audience to our beloved mascot, Chippies.”
Timbercity stores in the area committed to provide other additional needs that the schools have.
“If there is any way we can help with carpentry or basic renovation projects, using the products we have in our stores, we would be happy to do that. We are passionate about making an impact in the communities we serve, so we are looking forward to reach even more children in need through our Wood for Good programme,” Martheze said.
Clint Rautenbach( left) and Johann Van Schalkwyk attended the handover of Tutudesk at Inkanyethi primary school.
Rose Allie, principal of Inkhanyeti Primary, said that the children are really excited about their new desks.
“Many of our children do not even have classrooms, so these Tutudesks from Timbercity will really make a big difference to them. It is very hard to learn to write when you have no firm surface to work on. We are very grateful. Thank you Timber City, we are deeply grateful for your commitment to the future development and upliftment of our children’s education experience,” she said.
Immelmann said that his organisation would continue to build relationships with like minded sponsors to improve the learning conditions in disadvantaged areas.
“Due to the type of work we do at The Desmond Tutu Tutudesk Campaign Centre we have established many enduring and important relationships with our supporters and we are really looking forward to doing the same with Timber City into the future – in the interests of our most disenfranchised learners throughout South Africa,” Immelmann said.
