Rally To Read South Africa 2012

The Last School Of The Rally 2011 - St Peters, Ouplaas - Western Cape

2011-06-12T10:54:00.001-07:00

By the time we reach Ouplaas school the weather has changed dramatically.
As the rain came down we drove down the drive to this tiny primary school in the middle of nowhere.

As the team unloaded the vehicles in the rain the videographer Okepne appeared at the door and presented one of the easels.....

It was a classic moment as he turned the easel to reveal the name of the previous school we had visited... oops!

The schools head teacher introduces himself and tells us all how much our visit means. Its a small school with about 61 pupils.

The children sing and perform for the group, It wasn't as highly polished show as our previous schools but never the less it was though roughly enjoyed by everyone.

Brand explains that he has seen great progress in the few years the rally has been visiting and presents the headmaster with the pledge of support.

Before we leave there's chance to talk to a few of the pupils...

and also take a few minutes of time for reflection...

There's also chance in between the storm showers for a quick team shot and a few rugby passes before we leave...

Many thanks to everyone involved in this years rally's in particular, Iris the rally organiser and her staff, Brand the rally's ambassador, Gregg at McCarthy for suffering many wasted hours in various Vodacom shops trying to get me on-line.. your patience is appreciated.

This has been a fantastic project and I hope that pictures can help promote the Rally to a wider audience. I would certainly have no hesitation in recommending you become part of Rally To Read either as a private sponsor or business group. Its a fantastic way of helping to educate those less fortunate and provide them with the tools they will need for their future. Education is a human right and the Rally To Read Program provides... even when the local council and government sometimes doesn't. The Rally is people power in its finest form.

F-Section Cell, Robben Island

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

Elim School - Western Cape

2011-06-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

We arrive at Elim school about 1.30pm after travelling east for about 50 minutes. The weather is managing to hold out as we unpack the vehicles and take the equipment into the schools courtyard.

There's a great turnout here with many parents gathered round to watch as the schools head teacher introduces the sponsors.

Before the children perform their shows Brand & Mandi present the schools teachers with an ongoing pledge of support.

The children read to the group in a mixture of English and Afrikaans.

After the reading has finished the pupils take to the stage to perform a short play. One of the children here is a great actor and very engaging, Using an old bottle as a microphone he thumps the table to get the crowds attention... watch out for this guy he's a natural born actor and I'm sure a future Hollywood star!

Afterwards Brand hands over some of the rally's items, including some sports equipment which is very well received.

The headmaster is also presented with some of the valuable stationary, writing materials and the Rally's pledge of support.

After all the hard work put in by the pupils they are rewarded with a tasty snack of hot dogs. Yum Yum!

Phil from McCarthy has a quick kick around with one of the schools future soccer stars....

Then it's time to leave...

Masakhane - Western Cape

2011-06-12T05:23:00.000-07:00

We travel about 30 minutes west towards the coast and onto our next school of the day Masakhane.

The teams arrive and start to unload the vehicles with the help of the pupils.
The school is a relatively large one with 14 teachers and 513 pupils. The weather has totally changed en route, its baking hot and the clouds have disappeared.

As we enter into the classroom its apparent that most of the 513 pupils are here today, the place is packed to the rafters!

Before proceedings take place the pupils sing the national anthem.

Some of the pupils show much to the delight of the gathered crowd that their reading skills are improving with every day.

Brand presents the Rally's pledge of support.

The pupils jostle for space at the back of the room as Brand the rally's ambassador explains what equipment has been delivered. He also has the help of an impromptu interpretor who speaks to the group in Zulu. Not sure if it was a word for word translation but it seemed to go down well with the crowd.

As we leave our second school of the day there's time for some interaction with the pupils and a chance for Denise and Amanda to read to the children from one of the new books delivered.

Phil from McCarthy joins in some skipping much to the pupils delight.

We head back to our vehicles and bid good bye to this very friendly and welcoming school.

First School Weekend 5 - St Pauls - Western Cape - Part 2

2011-06-12T00:54:00.000-07:00

Following our introductions we are treated to some great reading and singing from the pupils.

The Rally's previous visits are documented on walls with lots of pictures. Teacher support from READ educational trust combined with the Rally's equipment means children here progress very quickly.

Afterwards we are given a guided tour of the school, this also gives the sponsors chance to chat with the pupils.

Taking time out to talk with the pupils is an important part of any rally, pupils really appreciate the time spent and are encouraged by Denise from READ

Time at St Paul's school has passed very quickly and before we know it we are saying our good byes and are on the road again to our next school of the day.

First School Weekend 5 - St Pauls - Western Cape - Part 1

2011-06-11T15:55:00.000-07:00

There is some magnificent scenery in this part of Africa. We wind our way through mountains and vineyards travelling south east under stormy sky's to our first school of the day St Pauls, 61 pupils and 4 teachers.

As we arrive through the gates the children greet us and shake a few hands along the way... they were very excited to see the sponsors and followed up the drive to help start unloading the equipment from the vehicles.

The fact that this school had computers was a new one for me and a surprise... all the schools I'd been to previously had nothing on the I.T front... It looked like this place was heading in the right direction and developing into a well equipped learning centre.

Its quite a small room as we all try and squeeze in. There's lots of decoration around the walls.. The farm scene model in the foreground is indicative of the landscapes surrounding the school, obviously very talented happy children here as they introduce themselves in English and then Afrikaans.

Some of the younger pupils read to the group from a book delivered by the Rally the previous year as a proud teacher watches.

Western Cape - The AM Elgin Country Club

2011-06-11T06:53:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Cape Town on Friday to load the box libraies, stationary, sports equipment and other resources. It was 4.45am start Saturday morning so a very tame night was in order. Thankfully the alarm did its job and by 5am we were on the road.

Heading out towards Grabouw we arrived at Elgin Country Club as the sun was rising. We are here to enjoy a breakfast and a briefing on the Rally to Read program for the day, the areas and the schools we will be visiting.

Today our team, 3, has four schools to deliver to rather than the 2 I'd been accustomed to. It was going to be a busy day. The weather wasn't great as we sorted ourselves into teams... it was very overcast with showers forecast. The roads were going to be a mixture of tarmac and dirt so the 4 wheel drive vehicles supplied by McCarthy are a necessity.

We joined with our team members to discuss the route to our first school.... It was about an hours drive towards Calendon... Mandi our team leader had organised drinks and our lunch packs which were distributed amongst us.... this time we also had walkie talkies.... enabling us to keep in touch with other members in our convoy and relay directions etc...

we were told that in no circumstances must we abuse the walkie talkie system... taking the mickey out of others driving or others making wrong turns was defiantly not allowed!!!

A quick check on the number of vehicles 9 in total confirmed we were all together and ready to hit the road to our first school of the day.

READ REPORT

The Rally to Read project was implemented by READ in 14 primary schools in the Western Cape and entered its 3rd and final year in 2010/2011. It impacted 14 schools with 90 teachers.

Most teachers and learners have benefited tremendously from the Rally to Read resources and the feedback reports received from some of the schools support this observation. They are very appreciative of the training and support that they have received. Learners in most classes have easy access to books and can often be seen reading independently once their work has been completed and they have a few free minutes. Teachers make use of the Teacher's Guide and the Learner Workbooks and are applying the methodologies. Teachers understand the value of their word walls and utilize them daily, they have print rich classes and have a special place for their Rally books to be stored and displayed.

The Rally project has been extremely rewarding as the trainer has seen children growing in confidence and thrilled to read to her to show their ability. One little girl in Gr 4 in Zoar, only wants to speak English now that she is more comfortable with the language. She also only takes out English books from the mobile library and reads exceptionally well for her age.

Daninge - Eastern Cape

2011-06-02T01:23:00.000-07:00

We travel about an hour from our last school to our next.. Daninge... As we arrive the pupils crowd the drive and sing as we drive up the dirt track towards the school.. Its a small school with 171 pupils and 7 teachers.. It looks like most of them are here today.

It's a really warm welcome as the crowd follows the cars, the teachers sing and dance...

The teams start unloading the equipment from the cars and carry into the school. Its the same format as before with David introducing the group. As I look round the class room I notice it has seen better days. Pupils crowd the tiny room from every advantage point including the half finished partition wall.

Neli from READ tells everyone what's been delivered. The teachers are as overjoyed as the pupils. This school is worn out and very tatty. Its totally understandable why they value the Rally's visit. Some of the pupils read in English...and some perform a short play acting out various roles much to the sponsors delight. They have come along way since R2R's first visit last year. Now at least the classrooms have some of the pupils work on their walls and the library box resources for basic education..

After the celebrations are over we are taken on a tour of the schools classrooms. Lets just say it made me realise how lucky we are back in England. This school really needs the help of the Rally. Its a pity the SA government lacks the enthusiasm of its citizens

We say goodbye to the crowds and head to our base for the night Mpakweni Beach Resort.

En route we stop for lunch on the banks of a river. The least said about this place the better! One billion midges and one million flies seem to have got here first!

Before long we carry on to our intended destination... this place is better!

Thank you to everyone this week including my expert driving team of Carol and David. Also a big thanks to Iris, Renne and Kevin for getting me back to the airport in time the following day, a bit of a rush but we made it, 200km goes very quickly sometimes. ;o) respect!!

This was due to be my last rally but I'm pleased to say that my stay has now been extended to cover the final rally of the year. Western Cape I will see you Friday!

Nonibe - Eastern Cape

2011-06-01T13:18:00.000-07:00

Our first school of the day is Nonibe.. 153 pupils. It’s located on the top of a plain in a fairly arid part of the country. It’s worth mentioning that there is no public transport in this area as in many parts of South Africa and children often walk many km just to get to school. High unemployment and no social system and no tarmac road, making it a total mission for parents, teachers and children to get here let alone learning basic reading skills, but the crowds turn out to meet us here as in all the schools, education is becoming their priority... but it’s tough.

We start to unload the vehicles, the welcome here is quite low key with a few interested groups of kids checking us out, as we enter the school the rest of the pupils are eagerly waiting to see the educational materials that are being delivered.

David our team leader is the first to introduce, sponsors here are actively involved. After the schools head teacher thanks the team we are treated to singing in perfect harmony from the children. The sound is sublime!

Neli from READ gives everyone a rundown of the items the rally’s delivered, included are the small yellow library boxes, easels for the large books which allow group reading, writing paper and pencils plus a host of other gear... afterwards a pupil tells her story to the sponsors... She speaks in English.

David presents the school head with the Rally's pledge of support for the next year. Before we leave we are given a tour of the classrooms.

While the group looks around I take some pictures of the very enthusiastic kids...

I made the mistake of showing one of the shots and before long I’m swamped and surrounded.

A little time out with the pupils goes a long way.

One little dude in particular was strong like an ox and clung on to my shiny Nikon as I lifted him off the ground like a dog on a stick.... he was as hard to shake off too... thanks David for your intervention!!

After some quality time spent with the children and teachers its time to move onto our second school of the day. We say our goodbyes and are on our way.

Kidds Beach & A Bit Of History

2011-06-01T10:37:00.000-07:00

Kidds Beach...

The beautiful little seaside village of Kidds Beach serves as a great stopover for those journeying between the Transkei and the Garden Route. Named after Charles Kidd, a former mayor of King William's Town, Kidds Beach is all about the beach, lack of commercialisation and slowing down to a dawdle. The waves and tidal pool are renowned amongst surfers and children alike, and the surrounding hills are covered with a variety of indigenous flora and a considerable number of birds.

A bit of history…

During the period 1779 to 1878 the Eastern Cape frontier was ravaged by 9 Frontier Wars which were fought between the white colonists and the Xhosa chiefdoms of the area. These conflicts were generally a result of competition for resources - largely land - and for control of the area.

As the militarily-dominant European settlers moved inland from Cape Town, they pushed aside the Khoikhoi until they came face to face with the numerically larger and more organized Xhosa chiefdoms in the lower parts of the Eastern Cape. The Xhosa were not as united as Shaka's Zulu in KwaZulu Natal however and as such were never able to present the colonists with the totally united front which might have prevented, or at least delayed, the occupation of their land.

English efforts to manage the turbulent zone where the colonists faced up to the Xhosa included building a string of forts throughout the area. Over time many of these forts have become derelict; Fort Hare has become a university; Fort Fordyce became a nature reserve; Fort Brown became a police station and Fort Beaufort grew into a town. All efforts, however, eventually culminated in the domination of the area by the Cape colonial government

Breakfast at Kidds Beach - Eastern Rally

2011-06-01T09:44:00.000-07:00

We arrive at the local village hall in daylight, a few coffees are defiantly in order!

Along with our breakfast we listen to our itinerary and details for the day.

Everyone is in great mood as we tuck into our breakfast. Its our first chance to get to know the rest of the teams.

There is more media interest on this rally with a couple of other photographers, reporters and videographers following different teams. After our food and coffee the teams are ready for the day ahead.

Before leaving we organise a team shot of all the participants then hit the road. Its a beautiful day weather wise, clear blue skies if not a bit nippy. Some of our younger participants are a little disgruntled at having to wear warm hats but mom knows best!

The vehicles leave for the first schools in convoy. Its an impressive sight with 4 x 4s stretching into the distance. We have about an hours drive over a mixture of roads and dirt tracks

Eastern Cape - The AM. Week 5 Rally 28-29 May

2011-06-01T02:59:00.000-07:00

I wake at 4.45am,This is weekend 4 of 5. I’d flown from Durban the previous night to a small airport called East London. We arrive at the Mercedes Benz car plant in the darkness to load for the day ahead.

This weekend I am in team 4 traveling with David from Financial Mail and his wife Carol, we will be delivering to 2 schools, the Eastern Cape Rally to READ is being implemented in the King William's Town District with two clusters, in the Peddie and Hamburg area. The project affects 14 schools, 104 educators and 14 school managers. As we arrive at the reception area we grab a quick coffee and start loading the vehicles. Its pretty hectic but the organisation is very good. The equipment has been sorted into individual stacks for each school.

Its a fairly straight forward affair even if we are a little bleary eye’d. We will be travelling about 30 minutes to our breakfast venue for a quick briefing before we start the days deliveries.

Before long the reception is clear of everything and the teams take to the road as the sun rises..

Schoemansdal Primary - Mpumalanga

2011-05-26T08:03:00.000-07:00

While visitors flock to Mpumalanga to experience the increasingly globally illusive bush and wildlife experience in pristine reserves and natural environment, there is far more to be experienced if you just scratch beneath the surface.

History has played a defining role in shaping the destiny of this beautiful region. From the early beginnings, though the magical legends of King Solomon and Queen Sheeba, the ancient communities of Maputaland, the Boer war leaving battlefields dotting the landscape, the turbulent clashes of culture and ideology, right through to the eradication of apartheid.The rally reaches the next generation of the new South Africa.

As we drive up towards the school I hang out of the car window and keep on clicking my camera much to every ones delight. It was an amazing welcome. This one is our largest school - about 850 pupils.

We park up the vehicles and carry the equipment and book boxes into the school, the pupils also lend a hand.

The stage is set as the children and sponsors are introduced to each other. The marque holds the parents of which there are hundreds. Its mid afternoon and baking hot, the Mitsi dial was saying 30 degrees and I agree... Its going to be a hot one... I hasten to add its only considered as a hot one because of the 1.5 kilo camera around my neck... without such encumbrance I normally lap up the rays.

The sponsors are entertained at first with some singing and then by traditional local dancing.. the heat wasn't a worry...especially for the master of ceremonies.. a lively old lady who's ululating was so loud it split my already battered ear drums, respect is due for her funky dancing though!

In the right hands umbrellas can do just as much damage as any spear can do.

The dancing at this school was on a different level. Apart from the physical strength and endurance required to perform in the midday sun these kids had serious attitude, fronting up to each other and stamping their bare feet in the dust. It was a magical display and a reminder to all of us of their rich culture.

Following the incredible display of dancing, our team leader Frikkie tells the crowd know about the Rally's commitment to help the school over the next few years. His introduction as Freaky and not Frikkie draws a few wry smiles.

Thabo from READ educational Trust takes to the stage in his own inevitable manner and whoops the crowd into a frenzy... His passionate talk is about the importance of education and reading. He also gives the crowd a run down of their new equipment. He has great stage presence and before long everyone is captivated included the parents.

Some illiterate parents have been taught using the Rally story books and they are very grateful for this opportunity. Learners in town speak English and tell people they are Rally children

Our meeting with this wonderful school draws to a head with the signing and presentation of the pledge of ongoing support. The issuing of certificates in a Rally To Read award ceremony is highly appreciated because it motivates the teachers to sustain the project and they have been asked for it to be an annual event.

The finale of the day includes singing and dancing much to the crowds enjoyment.

Pam chats to a couple of proud students and Jackie declares the Rally a great success.

Before I leave I'm taken to the kitchens to photograph some of the fantastic staff who prepare the food. The kitchen is no larger than a normal domestic but the staff manage to cook a really delicious meal for all and feed this almost 1000 strong school. Incredible!

Frikkie gives us a few tips on directions back to our camp for the evening and the Rally takes to the road again.

Id like to thank everyone involved this weekend for helping to create such a wonderful series of photographs and a very memorable Rally.

I Am An Eagle.... And Not A Chicken!

2011-05-24T12:32:00.000-07:00

Following on from our introductions we are given a performance of a dance all about the pitfalls of getting pregnant early on in life. The boys stuff jumpers up their shirts to gain the effect. As they stomped around in their wellies the jumpers began to fall out one by one, not sure if it was meant to happen but it was hilariuos.

Thabo from READ tells the crowd exactly what equipment is being delivered and explains the importance of looking after the equipment especially the books. He tells the young students that they will be able to learn and grow and belive in their dreams... He explains " you are not a chicken.... you are an eagle... the sky is your limit" hes a great oak as they say around here and hes passionate about the education of South Africas future.

Frikkie our team leader presents Rally To Read's certificate and pledge of ongoing support for the next three years.

After the official pic's are done with we watch the children perform a musical show, the interlude includes an improptue guest spot by Thabo... He can boogie!

Frikkie is presented with a gift and a big hug before we leave.

Malelane Primary School - Mpumalanga 2

2011-05-24T10:22:00.000-07:00

We are greetet by enthusiastic pupils lining the roadside on our approach. This is a relativly small school with around 77 pupils. Its the first time the rally has visited this picturesque rural village.

We park up the vehicles while the children perform some songs. The gardens around the school have been neatly cared for and its obvious the villagers take a great deal of pride in what little they have.

The teams start to deliver the essential items.

The educators are very apprieciative and tell us all about their aims and the pupils ambitions.

There are some very proud parents present too....

The parents share in the joy of watching their children perform a native dance.

I look across the village here and see a timly reminder of the other problems faced by people in this part of the world

The Load Address

2011-05-24T09:22:00.000-07:00

On the road again back along the N4 to the warehouse. The scenery here is very lush, orange trees and sugar cane line the roads as we go, we spot some cabbages almost a meter wide... huge trucks carrying cut cane slow us down, the Leviathan looms in the distance.

As the teams finish loading their vehicles they trade places with the "empties" Some of the teams have very large schools this weekend so Its pretty hectic as far as the convoys go. We have 14 in our team alone.

At this stage the security guard is scratching her head wondering what the heck was going on, it was a car merry go round but it seemed to work pretty well and we were loaded quickly and on our way out..

We pulled out of the warehouse and lined up our convoy ready for a quick briefing from Frikkie our team leader...

A quick vehicle count and were off to our first school of the day.

Mpumalanga 2

2011-05-24T08:36:00.000-07:00

I'd flown into J'berg the previous day and met my team and we'd driven together to Pretoria to pick up the 4 wheel drive vehicle, a nice new Mitzi this week. I will be driving with co founder of the rally Pam and Private sponsors Jackie and Roz.

We travel about 5 hours from J'berg to our base for the weekend Kwa Madwala game reserve.

It's a 6am start on Saturday morning as we meet for breakfast. This weekend we are in the state of Mpumalanga, The name means east or literally "the place where the sun rises" in Swazi. Mpumalanga lies in eastern South Africa, north of KwaZulu Natal bordering Swaziland and Mozambique.

Beautiful panoramic landscapes to look at while we eat our bacon egg and saus.. These continue from the restaurant surprisingly into the toilet. Has to be the best view from a pan in SA!

Afterwards we meet the other team members in the car park. The funky huts we are staying in this weekend remind me of the Flintstones and are scattered around the park so shuttle jeeps and buggy's ferry us all to this central point so we can prepare the vehicles for the first task of the day.

We will be travelling about 30 minutes to a TSB sugar warehouse to load the books and other equipment.

Some have the teams have very large schools this weekend so Its pretty hectic as far as the convoys go. We have 14 vehicles in our team alone.

We spot an Impala on the way out.

Kwa Pitela - The School On The Mountain Top

2011-05-19T10:44:00.000-07:00

Scenery here is awesome, were right in the heart of the Drakensburg mountain range. A few of the peaks still have snow on them, surprising, its baking hot here.

As we arrive we are greeted by the crowd and they follow the cars slowly to the school singing "welcome rally to read"

The teams helped carry all the gear from the cars. This was the first visit to the school from the rally.

The cue is round the block... or mountain in this case.

A previous period of teacher training by Thandi from READ will give them the skills needed to make full use of the education materials.

She works here magic to a cautious native crowd and slowly but surely wins their confidence.

Thandi also introduces the rest of the teams one by one,

defiantly some shy members here myself included.

An appearance by the local cockerel also raises a few laughs.

Later we watched the local women bust some moves on the dusty dancefloor.

The show included an appearance by who I can only describe as the African version of Lee Scratch Perry. Iriefied!

Team leader Mike & Thandi handover to the schools head teacher....

we say our goodbyes and the teams are on their way to the camp for the night.

We encounter a few road hazards along the way...

your generally OK if you don't spook them.

That one looks spooked to me... time to hit the gas.

We stop about an hour into our journey by the side of the river for a quick bit to eat.

We finally reach the mountain chalets about 5pm.

The views of the mountains are spectacular.

The chalet decor on the other hand is lifted from the Southport Weekender. Its the same bedlinen and curtains I swear!

Never the less a good night was had by all. I wake with a slight hangover but nothing major.

I snap a few shots of the crews and the views and head back to Durban with the rest of our crew. Another great weekend... I wonder what the next will be like. Flying to Jo'berg tomorrow. Stay tuned Folks.

The Road To Kwa - Pitela

2011-05-19T10:40:00.000-07:00

We were climbing higher and higher into the Drakensberg mountains. Passing through some beautiful countryside and townships. With voting happening in a few days we encounter a few other rally's of the people variety.

Luckily this time the terrain was a little bit easier than last week. At least we have a dirt road and not a boulder alley. No punctures this week too. A definite bonus when trying to stick to the itinerary.

Swing Out Sister

2011-05-19T06:03:00.000-07:00

So the talk about the books and materials had finished but there was some other items to mention. Mike our team leader produced a bag of footballs to everyones delight.
One lad jumped up from the grass to trap the first ball out out of the bag... with a quick flick of his foot it was in the air and on his head then on his shoulder then on his foot again... if theres any BCFC talent scouts wanting a proper Zulu, check him out he had awesome skill.

After our top class display of football magic we stood while one of the sisters of the mission lead a prayer giving thanks and blessings...

followed by some inspirational singing.

and some equally inspirational dancing.

I think the lighties were amazed as me! A dancing Nun..how random is that! only ever seen on stag weekends or crazy weekenders... well thats what I thought.

In our last part of our visit to Reichenau we were treated to more dancing from the pupils. One of the hi lights for me was watching a sweet old lady stomping around swinging what looked like a white table cloth around her head. Intermitently she swipped at the youngsters. I can only pressume it was some sort of tribal thing but whatever it was it was funky!

I have to add that this wild woman was later tamed after I asked if It would be OK to take her potrait.

She was a fantastic character, one I wont forget in a hurry.

So it was time to say our good byes to the wonderfull people of Reichenau, before we did there was a handover of certificates pledging ongoing support for this unique school nestling in the foothills of the mountains.

The Courtyard

2011-05-19T04:26:00.000-07:00

We unloaded the vehicles into the courtyard where everyone was waiting.

There was a real buzz about the place, you could tell that this visit meant a great deal to the pupils and parents.

A battered drum sounded the start to some great dancing by the children. Others stood with banners giving the r2r crew messages of thanks. How a government can forget about the educational needs of its children and its future in this way is totally beyond me. The rally not only brings hope to a forgotten generation, it also gives self respect and empowerment back to the people.

The sisters at this mission are also the teachers, they are given helpful guidance on educating the kids by Thandi from READ before the handover of the equipment is complete.

The stage was set for the grand finale

The Wecome At Reichenau Mission

2011-05-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

15 kilometers south of Underberg on the R617 towards Pietermaritzburg, the Reichenau Mission stands on the banks of the Pelola River in the foothills of the incomparable Drakensberg range.

This historic mission, founded in 1886, was the first satellite station of the famous Mariannhill Mission near Durban. The redoubtable Abbot Francis Pfanner, of the New Reformed Cistercian order of monks, commonly known as Trappists, came out to South Africa during the early 1800s. He first established Mariannhill, and broke away from the monastic tradition of silence to serve and missionise the population of the early Natal colony. Today its the rally's turn to empower the locals with knowledge learning and education.

There about 160 pupils at this school which is now based at the mission. As we drive down the leafy driveway children run to greet us with their parents, they cheer and dance around as the vehicles park up.

This place is quite unlike anything I'd expected... I think its fair to say that every school on the rally so far has been totally different, this is no exeption. The buildings look like they have been been lifted from the Yorkshire Moors and plonked in Zululand... how very quaint!

It was an incredibly loud and vibrant welcome.

Breakfast at St Ives

2011-05-18T04:05:00.000-07:00

We travel to St Ives for breakfast as we did last week. It’s about an hour and a half drive north from Durban.

Weather-wise it’s a fantastic day, bright blue skies and already very warm, a definite improvement on last week.

Everyone is in a great mood as we eat our breakfast and listen to our itinerary for the day.

Stunning scenery and autumn colours make this a picture post card moment.

Has to be the first cafe I've had a full English while watching zebra and wildebeest play. We listen to the safety briefing by Eugene before returning to our vehicles.

A quick team shot before we leave then we can hit the road.

Week 2 KwaZulu-Natal South Lower Loteni – Drakensberg

2011-05-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

Way too early... I travel to pick up one of the vehicles. This time I’m driving for the Shell team.

It’s just getting light by the time I arrive so I grab a coffee and join the briefing. I will be travelling with three passengers in my car and we’re number two vehicle in a convoy of six.

On to the next one - Cecilia School

2011-05-17T08:32:00.000-07:00

We stop along the way just to re-group. From Fabeni School we travel further into the interior to our next port of call approx an hour away.

We pass some beautiful countryside along the way. Cacti and palms are plentiful in these parts and any other plants are covered in massive thorns to protect, something you might want to bear in mind if you’re hanging your arm out of the car to catch a breeze! Ouch! Locals smile and wave at all of us as the rally reaches the second school.

Cecilia School

It was quiet here here in comparison. I wondered at first if we were in the right place. Weather wasn't looking too clever either. A big storm brewing one side of the school and nice blue sky quickly disappearing over the other.
There was a large tin hut and a small tin hut.. a few people milling around outside but nothing like the fervor of our greeting at Fabeni.

As we unloaded the vehicles a few teachers and children came to greet us.

Umuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantu

2011-05-17T04:53:00.000-07:00

“A person is a person through other persons”

Over six hundred proud children and parents cramed into the larger of the two tin huts, the atmosphere was electric.

Les & Gregg show the gathering what has been delivered. Along with the educational materials are a few recreational items like these footballs, they get a huge round of cheers from a crowd still enjoying world cup fever. I didn't spot any Vuvazelas though!

The audience were then entertained by pupils who had adapted their school uniforms with a Zulu flavour.

Creativity here was in full effect as the children performed a series of native dances. The crowd got fully behind them with some serious high ululating, my ear drums were ringing like I'd been to a music weekender, but this year my weekender was here.

For those not familiar with a bit of ululating its basically a long, wavering, high-pitched sound resembling the howl of a wolf with a trilling quality. It is produced by emitting a high pitched loud voice accompanied with a rapid movement of the tongue. Believe me its loud!

Gregg & Iris try a head count... Good luck on that one!

Nombulelo thanks the crowd and cordially takes a bow, a fantastic crowd reaction ensues, happy faces everywhere.

Before we leave we are treated to a song and dance from some of the pupils.

The weather was really closing in at this point and winds were picking up. We needed to hit the road fast before the rains arrived.

The road to our camp for the night was particularly trecherous. Negotiating it in rain could put pay to more tyres and its no fun changing tyres in a monsoon. I manage to snatch a few shots before we leave.

The Last Stage Of The Day

2011-05-11T15:48:00.000-07:00

At a fast pace we leave on our journey to our camp for the night Zingela, it should take about an hour and a half, if the weather remains dry and the thunderous skies don't explode. This is probably the most challenging part of the rally as far as the vehicles are concerned.

There is only one way to get to this place, It's dirt track up the side of a mountain time with some spectacular views and some unusual hazards testing our driving skills. Our mantra is please please don't rain, please please no more punctures!

Cows on the track... well OK its rural I can go with that.... but a grey hound... that was a strange one, until it was explained that the locals often keep them for hunting. whatever next... flat caps??

As we zig zaged across the river valley we realised we were getting closer to our camp.

Luckily our ever ready locals were here to help if we needed an oil change.

A quick check by Gregg that everyone was had made it. He counted them all out and counted them all in.
Success!

We are greeted by our Zingela camp representative Uri who's mere appearance brings joy to so many of our crew. It was now time to relax and hang up our dusty boots for the evening. We had timed it well and avoided any rains. That was until the heavens opened after dinner by which time it wasn't a worry.

I would like to thank everybody involved for their help and support in making this one of those special memories that will last for a lifetime.

For those following the blog its going to happen all again this weekend. Stay Tuned.

A Fair Start In Life

2011-05-11T12:16:00.000-07:00

The small librarys contained in the yellow boxes are also a valuable tool helping the school educators maximise potential.

Its a weekend and every pupil is here. These kids are hungry to learn, so happy somone is giving them a chance and a fair start in life.

Inside we watched the kids perform a demonstration on preparing a fruit salad.

Inside we watched the kids perform a demonstration on preparing a fruit salad, It was a really great show and as Iris will agree, It was a really great fruit salad too!! 10/10 ;o)

We also listened to some fantastic reading by the children, they are coming on in leaps and bounds!

I have to add that they also said a message of thanks at the end which was truely heart felt.

The Half Way Stage

2011-05-11T11:48:00.002-07:00

Fabeni School KZN North

2011-05-11T11:17:00.000-07:00

Our first school was Fabeni. As the vehicles arrived at the gates the children rushed to greet us their joy was obvious.

A bit of an emotional time for all the crew involved too.. Somthing as small as a piece of chalk means so much to these kids who get very little if any help from government.

We delivered the equipment and watched as the kids performed a Zulu dance, singing and dancing, stomping on the dirt so hard it created a mini dust storm.

Fairly simple items like paper and pencils can really make a difference.

Punctures -O _-

2011-05-11T10:34:00.000-07:00

Forward about 15km before another one of our vehicles had a puncture.....

This time it wasn’t too bad as the spare was a proper replacement. Plus the fact we were now getting pretty quick at our impromptu pit stops and tyre changes.

The tyre had been completely shredded this time and our audience of local children took delight in watching the R2R pit crew go to work on fixing the replacement.

All set, we continued onto our destination, about a further 4km. About 3 minutes passed until unbelievable, another puncture happened on the same vehicle. Nightmare!

With the spare gone and time ticking we ditched the vehicle and transferred the contents to another. Daylight hours are very short here in winter time. Its usually dark by five o'clock and you dont want to be driving up mountains in convoy by moonlight.

By hook or by crook we were going to get there.......... but heck these roads are cruel.

Rough Road & Rubber

2011-05-11T04:52:00.000-07:00

As we travelled to our first destination the skies started to brighten and the sun finally started to break through the grey soup above.

Within an hour the weather had changed to blazing sunshine and bright blue skies.

Fantastic! I was travelling with Phil, one of the rally’s organisers. This way I could stay ahead of the group and grab a few shots of the cars meandering through the stunning countryside.

A great theory until one of our tyres blew out. The terrain is pretty rough in this part of the country so these things are to be expected. What we hadn’t anticipated was the spare wheel in the back being of a “biscuit” variety. For those not in the know, a biscuit is a replacement emergency wheel half the width and strength of a normal one, basically designed to get you as far as the next garage. Mercedes engineering hadn’t let us down but their strange thinking of putting this kind of spare on a 4x4 vehicle certainly had!

It was obvious now that this vehicle with its “clown” tyre wasn’t going to make the rough terrain that lay ahead. So as Phil limped it back to the local police station for safe keeping, I transferred into another vehicle. Onward, Forward!

KwaZulu-Natal North Weenen/Tugela Valley

2011-05-11T02:53:00.000-07:00

Saturday 7^th May

Weather in this part of the world can be very changeable. We woke to grey skies and drizzling rain, for a moment I thought I’d woke up in England, the Impala and wildebeest on the lawns soon dispelled my fears, we were definately in Africa.

Slowly but surely our rally crews started to arrive, we had a great breakfast followed by some team talks outlining the itinerary for the day.

The group is split into 6 teams delivering to 2 schools each.

As we are travelling in convoys it’s important for each driver to make sure they can always see the people in the cars behind.

With this simple rule in place hopefully no one would get lost or stuck in mud.

We left the lodge following a quick team shot of all of this year’s participants.

ROLL CALL

Team 1 - Glenda Austin To schools Ngome Primary Horseshoe Primary

Sponsor / Driver's / Passengers

Team Leader Glenda Austin Lindsay Austin, Lesley Hailstone, Vicky Collins, Mervyn Govender, Loshni Govender, Vimalen Govender, Kreesan Govender, Bavi Pillay, Deborah Pillay, Maganathan Govender, Lineshni Govender, Steven Lange, Tarryn Lange, Maddison Lange, Roxy Lange (6 months old) Tefo Mothibeli, Claude Chibaya, Bronwen Auret, Bev Dyer

Team 2 - David Woodley To schools Macongo Primary Ferdinand Primary

Sponsor / Driver's / Passengers

Team Leader David Woodley Etlne Du Plessis, Debbie Kippen, Yvonne Graham, Andrew Graham, Brad Buchanan, Candice Buchanan, Linda Milne, Keith Miln, Neli Mohali,

Team 3 – Greg Murray To schools Fabeni Primary Cecilia Primary Sponsor / Drivers/ Passengers

Team Leader Greg Murray Les Stanley, Hazel Stanley, Stu Walker, Gerhard Strydom, Karl Rudolf Gassen, Sibonille Dube, Sam Walker, Kas Moodley, Iris Francis, Tristen Francis, Travis Stoltenkamp, Simon Donnelly, Nombulelo Sikhosana, Bob Sikhosana, Duncan Guy , Son & Daughter

Team 4 - Feroz Haneef To Schools Thandanani Primary Ophathe Primary
Sponsor / Drivers/ Passengers

Team Leader Feroz Haneef Simphiwe Cele, Sachin Ramurath,Yolandi Roelofse, Nick Roelofse, Freddie Birkenstock, Jean Badenhorst ,Quinn Enslin, Christa Enslin, Kirstie Salzwedel, Craig Salzwedel, Riette Els, Vishan Lakan, Rivesh Misra, Charmaine Mhlongo, Nonkululeko Ngcobo, Anne Robinson, Penny Naidu, Rosanne Paul, Llooiesha Hiramun

Team 5 - Carrie-Anne Van Heerden To schools Nomahaye Primary Mtaniya Combined

Sponsor / Drivers/ Passengers

Team Leader Carrie-Anne Van Heerden Patrick Isaacs, Shelley Kreinacke, Yvonne Slabbert, Joshua Slabbert, Stef Kreinacke, Tyrone Veira, Charlene Veira, Lindsay Morey, Colin Flemming, Jurie Heydenrich, Rihanna Heydenrich, Thobile Mdlophane, Patient Ndlumbini, Thokozani Magwaza, Sabelo Plaatjie, Martina Romer, Crystal Creamer , Steve Gooding, Alicia Doble, Lisa Doble, David Doble

Team 6 - Gordon Bannister To schools Nomfomela Primary Mkhlombe Primary

Sponsor / Drivers/ Passengers

Team Leader Gordon Bannister Bernise Bannister, Zoe Bannister, Kody Bannister, Tinika Bannister, Richard Bosman, Chad Bosman, Auriel Abrahams, Ciaran Bates, Paige Bates, Courtney Preston, Carla Seppings, Ruwayda Ebrahim, Julie Farrington, Paula Nel, Veronica Magalel, Theo Bovana, Mrs Gwamanda, Mrs Bovana, Sibusiso Gwamanda

Final Preparations

2011-05-11T01:06:00.000-07:00

After a few days settling into my new found home, I travelled with Gregg and Iris into Durban to the warehouse where all the new education materials for the schools are being stored and loaded them into individual vehicles ready for the start of the rally on Saturday morning.

With 12 schools being equipped on each rally the logistics are complex but with all hands on board we helped to pack the vehicles, it was going to be a squeeze but with a bit of shuffling around we managed to get everything in. Happy days!

Later that evening we travelled north about an hour to St Ives. This beautiful lodge and fishing estate with its thatched gazebos is situated in Lions River which is in the very picturesque Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands on the R103 about 7km from Midmar Dam. The name St Ives originates from the birthplace of John Day, who was born in St Ives, England and purchased the farm from the Boar settlers in 1862. This is the starting point for the rally where everyone will meet, with about 140 participants arriving early the next day we check the seating arrangements and make sure everything is in place. The staff here did a great job so there was not very much left to do. We grabbed a few drinks at the bar and settled into our rooms for the night. An exciting weekend lay ahead!

Rally To Read South Africa 2012

The Last School Of The Rally 2011 - St Peters, Ouplaas - Western Cape

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

Nelson Mandela

Elim School - Western Cape

Masakhane - Western Cape

First School Weekend 5 - St Pauls - Western Cape - Part 2

First School Weekend 5 - St Pauls - Western Cape - Part 1

Western Cape - The AM Elgin Country Club

Daninge - Eastern Cape

Nonibe - Eastern Cape

Kidds Beach & A Bit Of History

Breakfast at Kidds Beach - Eastern Rally

Eastern Cape - The AM. Week 5 Rally 28-29 May

Schoemansdal Primary - Mpumalanga

I Am An Eagle.... And Not A Chicken!

Malelane Primary School - Mpumalanga 2

The Load Address

Mpumalanga 2

Kwa Pitela - The School On The Mountain Top

The Road To Kwa - Pitela

Swing Out Sister

The Courtyard

The Wecome At Reichenau Mission

Breakfast at St Ives

Weather-wise it’s a fantastic day, bright blue skies and already very warm, a definite improvement on last week.

Everyone is in a great mood as we eat our breakfast and listen to our itinerary for the day.

Stunning scenery and autumn colours make this a picture post card moment.

Has to be the first cafe I've had a full English while watching zebra and wildebeest play. We listen to the safety briefing by Eugene before returning to our vehicles.

A quick team shot before we leave then we can hit the road.

Week 2 KwaZulu-Natal South Lower Loteni – Drakensberg

Way too early... I travel to pick up one of the vehicles. This time I’m driving for the Shell team.

It’s just getting light by the time I arrive so I grab a coffee and join the briefing. I will be travelling with three passengers in my car and we’re number two vehicle in a convoy of six.

On to the next one - Cecilia School

Umuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantu

The Last Stage Of The Day

A Fair Start In Life

The Half Way Stage

Fabeni School KZN North

Punctures -O _-

Rough Road & Rubber

KwaZulu-Natal North Weenen/Tugela Valley

Final Preparations