SIMONSIG INVESTS IN FUTURE WITH NEW AFTER-SCHOOL CENTRE

Estate opens day-care learning facility for farm children

Simonsig is investing in the future of its farm worker community with the opening of a new after-school learning centre for the children on the estate in conjunction with the Anna Foundation.

This after-school facility offers a safe and stable study environment to school going children from Grades R – 7 whose parents are permanently employed by this pioneering wine estate. It is the latest of numerous social upliftment endeavours implemented by Simonsig in its commitment to the sustainable development of its farm worker community.

“Part of our philosophy is to ensure that all our children are assisted with the necessary skills and opportunities that will enable them to empower themselves,” explains Simonsig co-owner and Managing Director, Francois Malan.

Simonsig’s new after-care centre was initiated in close partnership with the estate’s social programme, Reach for Gold, who raised funds to kit out this after-school facility’s kitchen.

Reach for Gold is acknowledged by Local Government as an exemplary model of grass roots development within farming communities. This organisation is headed by a group of permanent farm workers and funds are raised through an innovative roll-on-lawn project – for which the Malan family of Simonsig has to date allocated 5 ha of farmland. The funds are ploughed back into the community, contributing towards numerous projects.

In their efforts to provide the children with a quality after-care programme, Simonsig has joined hands with the Anna Foundation – a non-profit organisation in support of disadvantaged schools and communities by providing literacy, art classes and sports training.                     

“We value the Foundation’s ‘three R’s’ ethos which stands for Reading, Running and Righting. With them managing our centre, our kids are assisted with their homework, additional educational programmes and sports development and participation,” shares Francois.

The parents of the children are encouraged to take ownership of the after-care and to get involved with the activities of the youngsters.

Two educators assist the kids with their homework and a small library was set up to improve their literacy and knowledge. Once a month, the children also partake in a cycling or running competition hosted in the area.

Simonsig has been running a day crèche on the farm for the past 30 years and also supports the neighbouring Koelenhof RC Primary School.

Simonsig invests constantly in the development of its workforce, which includes the improvement of their skills in the workplace as well as their life skills.

The opening of the new after-school centre forms part of Simonsig’s holistic approach when it comes to the upliftment and empowerment of its worker community.