iThemba School takes off

"The company is 100% committed to the upliftment of disadvantaged communities. We believe strongly that education and private sector support is the way forward. In fact, it is imperative that the private sector backs this cause," Birgit Thümecke, MD of Lufthansa GTS Cape Town said at the official opening of the school, which was fittingly marked with a tree planting ceremony.

MEC for Education in the Western Cape, Donald Grant was one of the special dignitaries in attendance at the event. Other important guests included local government representatives, sponsors and stakeholders of Lufthansa GTS.

"This project is about more than building a school, planting gardens, erecting play areas and creating jobs. It is about giving 50 children a future that is based on all the lessons that they learn here. What the children learn here in three years will become the foundation for the rest of their lives. iThemba means hope and, where there is hope there is a future," continued Thümecke.

According to Thümecke, the company has a self-appointed sustainable and economic development and transformation mandate based on NEPAD's objectives.

"The company believes that education is vital to placing Africa on a path of sustainable growth and development. Education is central to accelerating the empowerment of children and women, eradicating poverty and ensuring Africa's full integration into the global economy. To that end, our company in association with Help Alliance and other sponsors has created this school for the underprivileged. We call on other companies and individuals to join us in giving the gift of hope," she concluded.

The iThemba School initiative aims to give children in impoverished areas a head start by eliminating educational disparities and improving the quality of education offered. Emphasis is put on numeracy, literacy and nutrition and classes are taught in the English medium to equip young learners with the necessary skills to enter English medium junior schools.

For more information, go to: www.ithembaschool.co.za