A Milestone in Community Upliftment

At the heart of every thriving community lies access to quality education. Earlier in April this year, that belief took tangible form with the official opening of a brand-new Early Childhood Development (ECD) Grade R Centre at Makwetse Primary School—a significant milestone for the greater Acornhoek/Bushbuckridge area and a proud moment for Kapama Private Game Reserve.

This inspiring development was made possible through a powerful collaboration between Kapama, the non-profit organisation EcoChildren, and corporate sponsor Jell Foundation South Africa. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to investing in education, conservation awareness, and the long-term wellbeing of the communities surrounding Kapama—home to many of our dedicated staff.

A Holistic Approach to Early Learning

The first phase of the project saw the construction of three fully equipped classrooms, with a strong focus on preparing young learners not just academically, but developmentally. From the outset, the goal was clear: provide children with the tools they need to thrive by nurturing both fine and gross motor skills, a critical foundation for early childhood learning.

To enrich this approach, the programme incorporated the expertise of Dr Hannah Barnes, a passionate South African educator renowned for her innovative teaching methods. Dr Barnes is playing a pivotal role—both in guiding the learners and training the school’s teachers in best-practice methods for skill development. This investment in teacher support, fully funded by Kapama, ensures the sustainability of the initiative and long-lasting impact within the classroom

Creating Safe, Purpose-Built Spaces

Following the completion of the classrooms, a protective fence was installed around the ECD area. This not only provides a secure environment for the very young Grade RR and R learners, but also gives them a defined space to learn and play with confidence.

Shortly thereafter, a new playground was constructed, designed to support active play, physical development, and social interaction. Together, the secure perimeter and engaging outdoor space contribute to an environment that nurtures the whole child.

 Teaching Responsibility Through Sustainability

One of the most impactful ongoing aspects of the Makwetse project is the integration of eco-gardens, run and maintained by the learners themselves. These gardens are more than just a food source—they teach responsibility, conservation, and sustainable practices in a hands-on way.

Each morning at 09:00, every learner receives a nutritious meal made using fresh vegetables harvested from the school’s eco-gardens. For many children, this is the only meal they receive during the day—underscoring the vital role this initiative plays in both education and wellbeing.

A Principal Who Leads with Vision

At the helm of Makwetse Primary is Mr Monareng, a dynamic and deeply engaged principal who understands the profound importance of early childhood education. His leadership has been instrumental in the success of this project, ensuring that each component—from classroom setup to curriculum delivery—is aligned with the needs of the learners and the broader community.

A Centre of Excellence and Hope

As the only purpose-built ECD facility among the 98 schools in the Acornhoek/Bushbuckridge education circuit, the new centre at Makwetse Primary is a beacon of opportunity. It currently supports 109 Grade R learners, offering them a strong, supportive foundation as they begin their educational journeys.

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

This powerful truth lies at the heart of our collaboration. At Kapama, we believe that by investing in education, we are not only creating opportunities but also shaping future leaders—many of whom will go on to play a role in conservation, tourism, and the betterment of our shared future.