BONNIEVALE – Thirty-six Grade R learners at Bonnievale Primary School in the Breede River Valley, about 180 km east of Cape Town, received school clothing and food parcels ahead of winter.
The support was provided through a donation drive led by the Michael Daniel Bam Foundation, in partnership with PEP Stores.
Essential items for learners and families
The initiative included school shirts, shoes and food parcels for learners. These were aimed at supporting children and easing pressure on families during the colder months.
Food parcels contained essential items such as rice, pap, beans and peanut butter. The supplies offered basic nutritional support to households facing financial strain.
The donation forms part of the foundation’s wider mission to improve access to resources in under-served communities.
The organisation focuses on early childhood development. It aims to support foundational learning while promoting dignity and well-being among young learners.
Learners engage with volunteers
Beyond material support, the visit created moments of connection and encouragement.
Learners engaged enthusiastically with volunteers throughout the day. Many confidently posed for photographs and interacted with visitors.
“More than just providing resources” – Bam
Michael-Daniel Bam, founder and head of projects at the foundation, said the initiative went beyond basic provision.
“This initiative is about more than just providing resources. It is about showing these young learners they are seen and valued, so much so that a group of young people travelled from Cape Town to spend time with them,” he said.
Bam said partnerships are central to the foundation’s work.
“We are incredibly grateful to PEP Stores for making this possible and helping us create meaningful impact where it matters most,” he said.
The foundation thanked Bonnievale Primary School for its support and warm welcome.
It also expressed appreciation for the school’s continued commitment to learner development and well-being.
The organisation said it plans to continue similar initiatives in other communities as part of its ongoing outreach efforts.
READ ALSO: 15-year-old launches foundation to feed and clean communities
