How OUTsurance helped us out ...

Life at the Ravensmead, Uitsig preschool – run by CWD’s ELSO (Early Learning Service Organisation) – will never be the same. It will be so much better, thanks to the efforts of OUTsurance.  The run-down school was given a major makeover and transformed by OUTsurance staff, suppliers, volunteers and community members in just one month. The renovations included internal and external painting, the installation of a new geyser to pipe warm water to the school and fencing. And the day-to-day educational and hygiene needs weren’t forgotten either: the children’s toilets and table tops were replaced and plenty of cupboards were installed. Now, there’s safe storage areas for educational toys, books and the new TV and DVD player.

Given that all the preschool learners are underprivileged, a special treat was arranged by three young members of the volunteer team, who personally selected age-appropriate gifts for the children. Sisters Charlize Tait (14), Anjé Tait (13) and Kayla Tait (10) enthusiastically took on this task: ‘We thought we’d choose the best gifts since we’re closest to their age.  We got the children racing cars, Barbie dolls, ultracops and teddy bears. We thought they’d love it!’

And ‘love it’ they did ... some of the children desperately tried to open their presents during the presentations at the opening celebration on June 21. Getting their very own presents was such a rare occasion that they simply could not wait to see what they had received.

The school’s principal, Elizabeth Joseph was visibly moved by the efforts of the OUTsurance team and everyone who helped. At the celebration function, she said: ‘Toe die mense met karre hier ingekom om die job te doen, was ek beindruk. Aan die karre wat buite die skool gestaan het, het dit gelyk asof Prins Charles of Nelson Madela hier was. Al die belangrike mense was hier.’

The principal ended her speech saying, ‘Ek sal die plek oppas soos ek my lewe oppas, want die kinders kom vir my eerste in my lewe.’ ( ‘I will look after the creche like I look after my own life. The children come first in my life.’)

CWD and ELSO extend a heartfelt thank you to all at OUTsurance ... especially Charl Tait, who identified the school project and managed the renovations – an enormous task with tremendous demands. We also thank the suppliers for their contributions and care. We are proud to have you as partners in transforming our communities.

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE