The 2007 school year has just started. Most students are dressed in their school uniforms and ready to tackle the challenges of the new year. The Chipa Tabane Secondary School nestled in the informal settlement area of Refilwe in Cullinan, just outside Pretoria, South Africa is no exception.

Education is vital and the emphasis is on empowering our youth with subjects to allow them into the world of skilled professionals, e.g. engineers, scientists, doctors, educators, and pilots to name just a few. The Department of Education is focused on developing students across the country.

Our aim is to assist the Department of Eduction and struggling families in providing a support structure to our less privileged students in any way possible. One way is to take the burden off worrying about their appearances. Students are kitted out in their school's uniform, i.e. shoes, socks, jackets (blazers), shirts, pants/skirt, jersey and school tie.

As at now we've received approximately R15,000 to go shopping. Shopping takes on the following duties.... hunting, hunting, hunting and negotiating, negotiating and negotiating for the very best prices in order to buy as many school uniforms possible. If you can add to our financial budget of R15,000 please e-mail me at arina@aethertraining.co.za. Last year we were able to kit out 57 students through the funding received from Vero Sunset Beach. This year we hope to kit out more students as our very own club, the Rotary Club of Waterkloof has also contributed to this rewarding and worthy project.

The student management board of the Chipa Tabane Secondary School is compiling a list of student names and clothing sizes. Our shopping will start shortly and the uniforms will be handed over discreetly to as many needy students of the Chipa Tabane Secondary School as we are able to assist from our funding.

Watch this space!

Arina Palm President Elect The Rotary Club of Waterkloof