Story

Why?

In South Africa, only some 17 out of every 100 children have access to any sort of preschool. This is one of the reasons why only half of those entering the state education system either drop out or leave without any sort of recognizable qualification. Additionally, only around 60% of all South African children receive basic literacy and numeracy.

The Philippi Children’s Centre (PCC) is located in the heart of the greater Philippi rural area in Cape Town. Unemployment is high and many people are disadvantaged. The area itself is known for its high levels of alcohol abuse. Education, therefore, is one of the few vehicles being used to bring about significant change and further extract any children from this negative environment.

Following an amazing visit and tour around the school, we were extremely humbled by what the PCC was doing for the community and its children.

https://philippichildrenscentre.org/about-us/

Purpose & Goal

Our ultimate goal in doing this challenge is to make a meaningful difference to the formative lives of children at the PCC, as well as long term positive impact to the communities in which they live. Through this Run for Lives campaign, we aim to raise R76 800 which will be directed at sponsoring (at least) 5 children for 2022 and to fund various projects at the PCC, including the resurfacing of their playground and fencing off the front of the school.

In the words of the late Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to bring about change” which is why we have chosen to raise funds for this specific centre. Subsequently, we have chosen the PCC as it affords us the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of many children and further leave an indelible impact on the community at large.

The Get With It team

Get With It is a term we use and refer to as: giving 100% to all aspects of life.

We are three university students, Tom Fraser, James Booth and Joe Hudson. This team was created because we asked ourselves: how can we make a difference to other people’s lives? It was then that we decided we would take on various physical challenges in the aim of raising funds for certain foundations or charities to make a difference where we can.

Through this campaign, we are aiming to activate generosity, create opportunity and re-write the narrative around educational inequality in South Africa.