A 23-day round trip to South Africa in March of this year brought the couple to the school when they visited the Safari Ostrich Show Farm. "We were very impressed with what was done by Vanessa and the school's teaching staff for the children and with nearly no money. We asked our tour guide, Steve Menzies, what the school could use.
Steve told me that the school would be able to make great strides if they have computers," explained Jan. The couple did not make any immediate promises but vowed to see what they could do.
Back home the Pasmans visited local schools and recruited their friends to assist. Within two months they managed to obtain 29 computers and two printers, toys and clothing.
"We hope that we have done something for the future of the children and that this can contribute to the welfare of the school," said Jan. He also thanked the Kerobei School, located in Venlo, Netherlands, for the computers, Transvenlo BV, a transport company that brought the boxes to South Africa as well as Jasper Laman Dozenhal and their friends for their support and assistance.
• Zeekoegat Primary School is a community project, brought to life by Safari Ostrich Show Farm, De Zeekoegat Guesthouse and Farm, Welgeluk Farm and Stephen Menzies, owner of the tour company, Sam 2 Tour. The project is coordinated by Vanessa Engelbrecht, from Safari Ostrich Show Farm.
Engelbrecht this week expressed her gratitude, saying that the donation has been the single largest received during her 14 years at the school. "We have been trying desperately to raise funds for a computer lab as this is regarded as the morst crucial need at our school. Now, thanks to Jan and Mieke, the future potential for our children has increased ten fold."
For more information about the project, visit www.zeekoegatschoolproject.org.za.
Mieke Pasmans and Zeekoegat children
Children and staff with some of the boxes donated to the Zeekoegat Primary School. Photo: Jacques Swart
ARTICLE: JACQUES SWART, OUDTSHOORN COURANT JOURNALIST
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