Empowering education: ERP and BCPA join hands for Maretlwana Primary School

In the heart of Maretlwana village, South Africa, nestled amidst the vibrant Barokologadi Communal Property Association (BCPA) community, lies Maretlwana Primary School – a hub of learning for the village’s children. Like many schools in rural South Africa, Maretlwana Primary faces its share of challenges, particularly in providing essential learning resources for its students.

Recognising this need, and driven by a commitment to support education in the community, Group Elephant’s non-profit organisation, Elephants, Rhinos & People (ERP), has forged a partnership with the BCPA community to uplift Maretlwana Primary and its students.

An assessment by ERP showed that Maretlwana Primary required additional support in terms of stationery supplies, particularly for new learners joining the school in grades one, two and three. For many learners, having access to essential learning materials not only fosters a sense of belonging and motivation, but also alleviates the worry of not being adequately equipped for their studies at school.

With stationery in hand, learners are equipped to attend school regularly and engage enthusiastically in the classes they attend. Moreover, teachers are no longer hindered by the lack of resources; they can be confident that their lessons are supported by appropriate learning materials.

The stationery was generously funded by purchases made at an ERP pop-up Christmas store that was opened in 2023, based at the EPI-USE Labs office in Pretoria. On the day the stationery was handed over to the school, the excitement was palpable. Representatives from the municipality, BCPA village, school governing body, and village chieftaincy gathered to receive the supplies, giving ERP the opportunity to engage with those who would be benefitting from the donation.

This support from ERP is not an isolated initiative; it’s a continuation of ongoing efforts to uplift Maretlwana Primary School. Previously, the school benefitted from ERP's donation of bicycles, enabling children who live far from the school to access education centres more easily. And the partnership doesn't end with the distribution of supplies; ERP remains dedicated to monitoring the performance of learners in consultation with teachers, providing additional support where necessary.

The significance of partnerships like these extends beyond the boundaries of Maretlwana village. By collaborating with communities and government entities, ERP is contributing to the development of competent and confident young minds.