The Last School Of The Rally 2011 - St Peters, Ouplaas - Western Cape

By the time we reach Ouplaas school the weather has changed dramatically.
As the rain came down we drove down the drive to this tiny primary school in the middle of nowhere.

As the team unloaded the vehicles in the rain the videographer Okepne appeared at the door and presented one of the easels.....

It was a classic moment as he turned the easel to reveal the name of the previous school we had visited... oops!

The schools head teacher introduces himself and tells us all how much our visit means. Its a small school with about 61 pupils.

 The children sing and perform for the group, It wasn't as highly polished show as our previous schools but never the less it was though roughly enjoyed by everyone.

 Brand explains that he has seen great progress in the few years the rally has been visiting and presents the headmaster with the pledge of support.

Before we leave there's chance to talk to a few of the pupils...

and also take a few minutes of time for reflection...

There's also chance in between the storm showers for a quick team shot and a few rugby passes before we leave...

Many thanks to everyone involved in this years rally's in particular, Iris the rally organiser and her staff, Brand the rally's ambassador, Gregg at McCarthy for suffering many wasted hours in various Vodacom shops trying to get me on-line.. your patience is appreciated.

This has been a fantastic project and I hope that pictures can help promote the Rally to a wider audience. I would certainly have no hesitation in recommending you become part of Rally To Read either as a private sponsor or business group. Its a fantastic way of helping to educate those less fortunate and provide them with the tools they will need for their future. Education is a human right and the Rally To Read Program provides... even when the local council and government sometimes doesn't. The Rally is people power in its finest form.

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

Nelson Mandela

Elim School - Western Cape

We arrive at Elim school about 1.30pm after travelling east for about 50 minutes. The weather is managing to hold out as we unpack the vehicles and take the equipment into the schools courtyard.

There's a great turnout here with many parents gathered round to watch as the schools head teacher introduces the sponsors.

Before the children perform their shows Brand & Mandi present the schools teachers with an ongoing pledge of support.

The children read to the group in a mixture of English and Afrikaans.

After the reading has finished the pupils take to the stage to perform a short play. One of the children here is a great actor and very engaging, Using an old bottle as a microphone he thumps the table to get the crowds attention... watch out for this guy he's a natural born actor and I'm sure a future Hollywood star!

                                        

 Afterwards Brand hands over some of the rally's items, including some sports equipment which is very well received.

The headmaster is also presented with some of the valuable stationary, writing materials and the Rally's pledge of support.

After all the hard work put in by the pupils they are rewarded with a tasty snack of hot dogs. Yum Yum!

Phil from McCarthy has a quick kick around with one of the schools future soccer stars....

 Then it's time to leave...