FRIEMERSHEIM NEWS - In partnership with Friemersheim Primary School in Friemersheim, Macadamias South Africa (Samac) launched a Transformation Socio-economic Development project aimed at uplifting rural education in agricultural communities through technology, literacy and digital access.
This initiative forms part of Samac’s broader commitment to driving inclusive growth and social impact within South Africa’s agricultural communities, particularly those connected to the macadamia industry.
Bridging the literacy gap
In many rural schools, learners face barriers in reading, numeracy and comprehension that hinder their classroom performance and overall academic success.
Samac decided to offer support to Friemersheim Primary by enabling access to Stimulus Maxima’s educational software, namely the Reading Rocket and Maths Muncher.
These digital learning tools help children build literacy and numeracy skills through tailored learning based on their competency.
While the Department of Education had previously provided computers to the school, they remained unused due to the absence of a functioning network. Samac has now helped to make that equipment operational.
Delivering tangible support
As part of the project, Samac is currently funding the installation of a complete computer network system, including a 24-port gigabit switch, network cabling and power set-up, and covers the 2025 software licensing costs for 107 learners across grades three, five and seven.
“When we invest in the minds of South Africa’s young people, we invest in the strength, stability and success of the nation itself,” said Samac’s transformation manager, Juandré du Toit.
Transforming lives
The learners at Friemersheim Primary are predominantly children of farm workers in the surrounding agricultural region, including macadamia farms.
With George emerging as a macadamia-growing region, this initiative strengthens the link between education, equality and economic development.
“As Samac, we believe that meaningful transformation begins with investing in the potential of young people. Empowering learners at Friemersheim Primary is not only an investment in education, but in the future strength and resilience of our agricultural communities,” says CEO Lizel Pretorius.
Samac has proposed that the project be supported for at least three years, ensuring consistent access to the programme for future learners.
Samac is an industry association representing the country’s macadamia value chain, focusing on areas including agricultural research and development, market access and development, transformation, governance and sustainability.
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