JEFFREYS BAY – A 20-year educational partnership between St Faith’s School in Cambridge, England, and Makukhanye Primary School in Jeffreys Bay has resulted in R43,400 being raised for the SOS Project in Jeffreys Bay, as learners from the British school took part in a charity fundraising challenge following their seventh official visit to Jeffreys Bay in April.

The relationship between the two schools spans more than 20 years, built on cultural exchange, shared learning and community support.

During their recent stay, St Faith’s learners not only spent time in classrooms and community spaces but also learned about the essential work of the SOS Project, a local charity providing food, clothing, and welfare support to vulnerable families.

Liz Kennerley, a St Faith’s staff member accompanying the group, described the experience as transformative for the young visitors.

“It has been a life-changing experience for our learners to come to South Africa and experience the wonderful hospitality, beautiful landscape and stunning wildlife. Their visit to Makukhanye Primary gave them a chance to make friends and find the things they have in common with the local children, even though their own lives are very different,” said Kennerley.

The connection between St Faith’s and Makukhanye Primary was established by Martije Viljoen and sustained by Wessel Vosloo, a key figure in fostering collaboration between the two schools.

As Chairperson of the SOS Project, Vosloo outlined the charity’s ongoing work and the challenges it faces in sustaining regular support for the community.

During their visit, St Faith’s made a financial contribution and pledged continued assistance in the years ahead.

Upon returning to the UK, Year 8 learners (aged 12–13) took part in the school’s annual £5 Charity Challenge, a voluntary initiative in which each learner receives a £5 (approximately R109) interest-free loan and has six weeks to generate as much profit as possible for charity.

Nicholas Kennedy, one of the learners, explained the process: “The school gives us a £5 interest-free loan, and we have six weeks to make as much profit as we can. All the profit is donated to charity, and we repay the loan. Everyone chooses how to invest their money: some people have made bracelets, some have 3D printed fidget toys, others have run stalls selling food and drinks.”

This year marked the first time every learner in the year group chose to participate.

Learners were permitted to run stalls at school on two occasions, with all other trading taking place in their own time.

Another learner, Huxley Phillips, reflected on the motivation behind their efforts: “We are proud to work with Makukhanye Primary, and now we can help support the community through the SOS Project. The work they do is so important, helping people to have a hot meal and clothes when they need them. We have raised £2,000 (R43,400), and we know that it will help the charity carry on their really important work.”

Despite the geographical distance, over 9,600km between Cambridge and Jeffreys Bay, the partnership remains strong.

Vosloo continues to keep St Faith’s informed about the evolving needs of the SOS Project, enabling the school community to respond quickly and meaningfully.

St Faith’s has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting both Makukhanye Primary and the SOS Project well into the future, ensuring that the bond between the two communities remains vibrant and impactful.

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