GIVING BACK
Track Legend
Akani Simbine empowers our future
Last year we had the opportunity to visit Sizuzile Primary School in Botleng Township in Delmas where the Akani Simbine Foundation partnering with the People Matter Foundation handed over 51 Midesks to the Grade One class , ensuring these children would have desks for the next 12 years !
But what is the Midesk ? Well quite simple it is a wheelie schoolbag that converts into a desk and chair with a solar light with a USB charging portal . The design allows the child to wheel their bag , chair and desk to school and back so no matter where they are they have the means to learn with them !
Made out of partly recycled plastic and polypropylene , the desk is designed to have a lifespan of 12 years , seeing a child through their schooling journey .
The Akani Simbine Foundation , found in 2022 , has its foundation in helping children not only in sport but in education as well . “ As an athlete , I
understand the importance of having the right tools and support to achieve your best . The MiDesk gives children a chance to succeed by providing them with a proper workspace , and I am thrilled that my foundation can be part of this transformative initiative .”
So how does the desk make a difference to the education resource issue we have in South Africa ? Research has shown that a child ’ s academic performance will increase by 48 % if they have a designated homework station to use , adding onto that independent research confirms that having a desk at school improves the learners experience in multiple areas relating to literacy and academic performance .
A desk improves learners handwriting , making it easier for them to concentrate on what the teacher is saying , it takes the pressure off the pupil trying to take notes clearly and concisely so that they can refer to notes later and really take in the information that they have learnt . It comes as no surprise that many children in South Africa do not have access to something as simply as a desk , so projects like MiDesk are not only important , but they are also vital .
Currently there is a shortage of 95 000 000 desks in Africa , MiDesk to date has sponsored 4000 , but there is a long way to go . To find out how you can support and get involved , please click on the button below .
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12 ISSUE 176 | www . modernathlete . co . za