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The digital learning revolution grows from strength to strength in Bushbuckridge with the launch of our fifth digital learning campus in the Hazyview Cluster of Campuses. Together with our incredible partners, Ulusaba, Dulini Private Game Reserve, Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve, Inyati Game Lodge, Sabi Sands Pfunanani Trust, the All Heart Fund, the staff and teachers at Mahlahluvana Primary School, and the Dumphries community, we officially opened the Dumphries Digital Learning Campus on July 26^th, 2019.

The Dumphries Campus

The Dumphries campus is part of GWF’s Hazyview cluster of campuses dotted along the border of the Sabi Sands Wildtuin. The mission of GWF is to challenge how we learn, what we learn, and most importantly, who has access to learning. Geography or social circumstances shouldn’t stand in the way of a quality education. From preschooler to adult, GWF reimagines education for rural communities. Two of GWF’s programmes will be run at this campus: Bridging Academy and Open Learning. The Bridging Academy curriculum is a year-long course that enables adults to become proficient in skills that are required in a 21st century workspace – quite literally “bridging the gap” between their high school experience and going into the working world or further studies. The Open Learning Academy focuses on English literacy, math’s literacy, digital literacy, conservation, and life skills for rural schoolchildren.

Speeches, Singing, Dancing, and Feasting

The agenda was jam-packed with inspiring speeches, singing, dancing, feasting and connecting. One of the many highlights was guest speaker, Mr Sibusiso Vilane – a South African adventurer, marathon runner, mountaineer, expedition leader, and author of the book “To the Top from Nowhere”. Sibusiso shared his experience of how a deep self-belief can get you anywhere – even to the top of Mount Everest and back again. The Mpumalanga Department of Education, also great supporters of GWF, were represented by Mr Deon van Vuuren. Deon spoken about the rise of the fourth industrial revolution and its imminent impact on education, especially in rural communities. Mr Isaac Hlatswayo of the Sabi Sand Pfunanani Trust spoke about the power of collaboration. Isaac shared with the guests the personal significance of this launch. He is from the Dumphries community and went to junior school at Mahlaluvana Primary School which stands adjacent to the new GWF campus. GWF’s Hospitality Academy Co-Ordinator, Tarshine Mafuyeka, shared her inspiring personal career journey story from a small rural community to some of the world’s best hotels and back again to train others in the trade at GWF.

GWF’s CEO and founder, Kate Groch was honoured with a song from the GWF staff before she spoke about GWF’s strategic model known as the “Hazyview Cluster” – a hub and spoke model running learning programmes fit for the industry in its direct geographic proximity.

The All Heart Fund Leanna Knopik Cup

A special highlight was the awarding of the All Heart Leanna Knopik Cup. Announced by Ms Zola Myakayaka, this award is inspired by the heart and spirit of Leanna Knopik – a young American woman who has touched many lives. Leanna’s loving friends and family often remember her as “all heart.” Leanna never had the chance to volunteer in Africa, so in the spirit of her heart’s wishes, the All Heart Fund was created to provide the resources and education necessary to enhance the lives of rural African families. Dumphries Digital Learning Campus is funded in part by the All Heart Fund and all those who support it in Leanna’s memory. You can read more about the award and Leanna’s story in our article “What it takes to be All Heart“.

Hendrick Louw, of Suez Capital, said of the launch: “You instilled in us a renewed sense of hope for our nation, for which we are grateful.” GWF  would like to thank all guests and the Dumphries community for welcoming the GWF team so warmly.

To find out more about GWF, please visit The Good Work Foundation. To visit the GWF Dumphries Digital Learning Campus, please email us.

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