The Masifunde Learner Development project, pioneers of youth development in the Walmer township outside Port Elizabeth, have received a much-needed boost with the donation of a transport vehicle from Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA).
With the 23-seater Volkswagen Crafter at their disposal, the team will now be able to safely transport learners to and from school and to various locations for extra-curricular activities.
Volkswagen Community Trust Manager, Vernon Naidoo (far left) and Jonas Schumacher (second left) with the Masifunde children (Image: VWSA)Established in 2004 by German-born Jonas Schumacher, the Masifunde Learner Development project aims to alleviate poverty by initiating sustainable development through holistic quality education and the moulding of change-makers.
“I would sincerely like to thank VWSA for the vehicle sponsorship,” said Schumacher. “This assistance has allowed us to finally provide our learners with reliable and safe transport to and from school and the various activities.”
The project’s main initiative is the sponsorship of full academic bursaries of 46 children from Grade R to Grade 12.
“We have identified motivated and talented children from the Walmer Township and have offered them the opportunity to receive top quality education at excellent schools in Port Elizabeth,” said Jonas Schumacher. “Not only is their education sponsored but we also offer daily homework support to the children which is monitored and supported by two professional and experienced teachers.”
HOLISTIC APPROACH
With a holistic approach to youth development, Masifunde Learner Development project also believes in giving the children an opportunity to explore and nurture their talents in the fields of art, music, media and sports.
“We offer various extra-curricular programmes to assist the children in identifying their potential, like our ‘Born Free’ drama group or our ‘Walmers Own’ group for budding journalists,” explained Schumacher.
Another key initiative is the ‘Learn4Life’ life skills programmes. These programmes provide informal education on various issues to over 200 learners with the aim of making them change-makers and active role models in their community.
Through weekly lessons, educational excursions and interactive project work, the children are shown that learning is not only life changing, but also fun.
“Education is one of our key focus areas for our multi-faceted CSI programme and the Masifunde Learner Development Project adds to our portfolio of educational projects such as Edu-Peg, Ikhwezi Lomso Primary School, Nal’iBali and the Adopt-a-School Project that Volkswagen is supporting,” said Volkswagen Group South Africa MD David Powels.
