In a testament to solidarity and determination, young educators at Calling Education in Stellenbosch undertook inspiring journeys, with 43 participants and 30 supporters joining forces to raise crucial funds for their school.
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This initiative follows their tradition of endurance challenges, including a 109km Cape Town Cycle Tour and a 50km trail run spanning Lion’s Head, Table Mountain, and Devil’s Peak.
According to Daily Maverick, this year’s challenge garnered corporate sponsors and 617 unique donations totalling R1 344 000.
Due to hazardous sea conditions, the planned swim from Robben Island was cancelled, leading to the creation of an alternative 8km route in Table Bay.
Over R2 million has been raised for Calling Academy, allowing the school to maintain low fees while providing education on par with South Africa’s top independent schools.
Calling Education was founded by Werner Cloete, former head boy of Paul Roos Gymnasium, and Dr. Phillip Geldenhuys, who saw the need for an alternative high school model in Stellenbosch.
Cloete, a former Paul Roos teacher, partnered with Willem Meyer from 2015 to 2017 to research a model for quality education in low-income communities.
Calling Academy, an all-boys Christian high school, opened near Stellenbosch in 2018 with three teachers and 60 Grade 8 pupils. Its success led to a co-ed school in Kroonstad in 2022.
The Stellenbosch Calling Academy, at the intersection of Polkadraai and Vlaeberg roads, is surrounded by vineyards. It has modern facilities, a soccer field, and cricket nets, set away from the temptations of Stellenbosch CBD.
Cloete emphasised the challenge of raising funds to educate future leaders.
Cloete recalled a colleague who raised funds by running the London Marathon in under three hours, earning sponsor rewards for their organisation.
‘Her example planted the seed. Was there something I could do to galvanise people to support the school? That’s where the challenge idea came from.
In its first year, the event raised over R700 000.
‘The purpose of the event was to create a platform to tell the school’s story, to talk about the lives they are changing,’ added Cloete.
With annual school fees at about R7,320 per pupil, raising more funds allows for opening additional accessible schools for learners.
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Picture: Calling Education/Facebook
