Our first school building was situated in the premises of an old pineapple factory close to Suni-Ridge and volunteer teachers provided lessons for the children. Unfortunately we were given notice to move and we found ourselves unable to find other premises, so we borrowed a large South African Defense Force Tent and moved the school into this tent which we erected under a huge maroela tree.

Children from False Bay School at Suni-Ridge

This photo shows some children, many of whom are AIDS orphans, from the False Bay school, spending a day at our reserve.

See the False Bay School photo galleries

Days like this are invaluable, as children learn how to interpret habitat and wildlife, as well as cultural conservation (including the medicinal use of plants and trees). This is something that would have been handed down by their parents.

Eventually the Kwa Zulu Natal Department of Education agreed to assist our school, which we named False Bay School. It was built on land that we acquired near to Suni-Ridge. Qualified teachers were also provided by the Department to teach at the school.

Today False Bay School serves a very important group of underprivileged children. Many of these children are sadly aids orphans who are living with extended families in the area (perhaps a grandmother, aunt or uncle) or sometimes even acquaintances of family.

They often do not have access to sufficient food or a balanced diet and for this reason our school also provides the children with a feeding scheme.

Their poverty and challenges at this early stage in their lives, do not change the fact that they have – like so many privileged children – those wonderful characteristics which are special to all children.

Also see our Young Environmental Ambassador’s Leadership Course for older children.

There are millions of people around the world who don’t have access to basic amenities, such as clean water, sanitation facilities, food and education.

This SCHOOL Campaign invites schools and school children from developed countries around the world to donate to the Zulu children at False Bay School, South Africa.

© Austin Julian Mitchev is the inspiration behind the Suni-Ridge SCHOOL Campaign.

When we first moved to Suni-Ridge, one of our main priorities was to establish a primary school for the under-priviledged children in the local communities. False Bay School is a wonderful success and provides basic education to pupils, many of whom are HIV/AIDS orphans.

Most of these children are extremely poor, and don’t have access to food, clean water or other basic amenities. Many don’t even own a pair of shoes to walk to school in.

If children from the developed world donated just $1 / £1 / €1, it would make a huge difference to the children at False Bay School.

This campaign has been inspired by Austin Julian Mitchev, the son of one of our guests at Leopard Walk Lodge.

As a 5th grader at the Colleen Bevis Elementary School in Lithia, Florida (USA), Austin got an A+ for his essay entitled, “What Happens in the World“.

Please join us in supporting the children at False Bay School?

“What Happens in the World” by Austin Julian Mitchev (dated 10-26-2007)

In the world many people are homeless, ill, and dying. If you don’t know why you should help then it’s time for you to get going.

Everyday over 20,000 people die from starvation, disease, war and other life injustices. Some people think it’s not important to help out, but they are very wrong. Everybody needs to help out and donate their time, money and talent to other people who are not as fortunate as us. For example, UNICEF raises money to provide necessities for children to live a good life. It’s so important to help out because everybody in the world should have a good life that they can enjoy. Most people in America have good stable lives, but unlike most of us in America other people in the world would do anything for basic things like an education, nutritious food, clean water, and good health.

Many organizations around the world try to make a difference in the world. But I don’t think they should be the only ones helping out. I think I can make a difference in this world, by helping my aunt with food production for the needy in South Africa. Also, there are many people living on the side of the road. So I can help out by bringing food, blankets, and other necessities that they would need to survive. But also, I think, there are ways for other kids to help out. One way other kids can help out, is by raising money, to help buy blankets and warm clothes for the cold winter months for the unfortunate homeless people. These staple essentials we take for granted everyday is what they need for survival on the streets daily.

In my opinion, I think no one in the world knows everything that’s going on, so why not help out and make sure nothing horrible happens to people in the future. Even though for some people charity begins in different countries, for me -> charity must begin at home and every little bit counts.