Education in the Cape Winelands District has received a significant boost with the expansion of The Travelling Classroom – the school that comes to you, a mobile learning initiative designed to bring literacy and technology to underprivileged communities.
Spearheaded by leading premium wine producer DGB, the project recently unveiled its second mobile classroom, doubling its capacity to reach young learners in need. The state-of-the-art learning facility was launched on 10 February 2025 at Alfons Primary School in Paarl, with Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen officiating the event.
“South Africa faces three major challenges: unemployment, inequality, and poverty. Education is key to addressing each of these issues,” said Steenhuisen. “The government cannot do it alone. Partnerships with private sector organisations like DGB are crucial in ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to quality education.”
A Classroom on Wheels
The initiative consists of two mobile classrooms, each housed in a 15-meter trailer truck, fully equipped with books, a computer center, and essential learning tools. These classrooms rotate between 19 schools every two weeks, benefiting more than 5,000 primary school students and 153 teachers annually.
The financial investment behind the project is substantial. Each mobile unit costs R4.5 million to equip and requires R750,000 annually to operate.
Funding for the second unit came from a joint contribution by the DGB Charitable Trust and the Giving Children A Chance Trust, established by DGB Executive Chairman Tim Hutchinson. Additional support has come from corporate donors such as Daimler Truck, Ardagh Glass Packaging, and Rhenus Logistics.
Addressing Educational Gaps
Over 80% of Grade 4 students in rural Western Cape struggle to understand what they read, a barrier to academic progress.
The Travelling Classroom aims to combat this through a three-pronged approach:
- Language and Literacy Development – A comprehensive collection of books fosters a love of reading and enhances comprehension skills, improving overall academic performance.
- Maths and Computer Literacy – Each classroom features 20 laptops with internet access and the Green Shoots MCO mathematics program, aligned with the South African curriculum.
- Social Conscience – Lessons focus on instilling values of responsible citizenship and moral development in young learners.
Community Impact and Support
Since its inception, The Travelling Classroom has garnered praise from educators and school leaders. Mr Solomons, Principal of Alfons Primary School, described the project as a game-changer for students lacking educational resources, while Mr Forbes, Principal of Rondeheuwel Primary School in Hermon, reported improved school attendance on days when the mobile classroom visits.
The initiative’s daily operations are managed by Kinderland Akademie, the outreach arm of the Kinderland Trust. Led by Dr. Thys Smith and Mrs. Ilse Human, the project’s dedicated team ensures smooth logistical execution, educational oversight, and administrative support.
Call for Support
DGB has extended an invitation to businesses, government bodies, and individuals to contribute to the continued growth of The Travelling Classroom. “If we can change the beginning of the story, we can change the whole story,” said Hutchinson. “By investing in early childhood development, we can pave the way for brighter futures.”
To learn more about how to support The Travelling Classroom, contact DGB at Charitable.Trust@dgb.co.za or call 021 864 5303 to speak with Ree du Toit.
