The READ Educational Trust
In 1998, Singita Sabi Sand launched its formal community development programme, with the aim of delivering tangible benefits to their corner of the country. Funds contributed by Singita and its guests, as well as those generated by community visits (and the sale of selected items in the Boutique and Gallery), are placed in a trust fund and used to support various programmes.
A number of schools in the area, many of which educate the children of Singita’s staff, are inadequately funded. Singita has been involved in a range of projects, including the purchasing of stationery, textbooks and computers. A development programme – called Growing to READ – is being conducted in collaboration with the Education Department at 10 local pre-schools.
The objective is to ensure that young children are well prepared for formal schooling. The programme is implemented by the READ Educational Trust, a well-respected non-profit organisation, and involves the training of teachers and parents, as well as the provision of educational resources and stationery.
Technology Programme
Singita has launched a Teaching & Technology Programme, in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Mpumalanga Department of Education. This worthy initiative uses satellite communications to enhance the quality of education in rural areas and has been rolled out at local primary schools.
Web-based solutions are used to train local teachers, who then share this benefit with learners. Singita also provides technical support to ensure the sustainability of such technology-based programmes in remote locations. The initiative is expanding to include the balance of the 19 schools in the education circuit, and to encourage learners to utilise technology to access the ‘virtual library’ of books and information.
Gardening Project
The gardening project is an example of how Singita provides guidance and support for small business enterprises. Previously employed as a field worker at Singita Sabi Sand, and growing vegetables in his spare time, David Shelabi was assisted by the Singita team to expand his operation and to include herb cultivation. He then converted it into a full-time business.
David was nominated by Singita to participate in a one-year entrepreneurship training programme which served to hone his business skills. He has subsequently expanded his gardens into other areas and is now a regular supplier to Singita and other lodges.
By Justin Fox
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Since 1926, Singita Sabi Sand has been owned by the Bailes family, who have acted as custodians of this pristine swathe of lowveld. From the...