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Fundraising to benefit Kalksteenfontein Primary School in South Africa

Participants in the past three years of the UF/University of Cape Town (UCT) study abroad program to South Africa are again teaming up with the High Springs Community School to raise money and supplies for Kalksteenfontein Primary School (KPS). As part of a service component to the South Africa program, the students volunteer at KPS, but as another way of giving back, they fundraise and collect items to benefit the school.

Located 15 miles outside Cape Town in a gang-riddled township, KPS is a K-7 grade school in dire need of funds. The surrounding community is very poor, with high adult illiteracy and unemployment (60%). KPS is funded by the government, school fees, and fundraisers. Due to the poor community in which this school is located, only a few of the 380 students have paid their school fees this year. Many kids come for the promise of food as the government provides children in K-3 with food. As you can see, KPS is crucial to the education and well-being of these kids.

In 2008, UF students, along with the HSCS, started a Flat Stanley pen pal project that raised $3,400 to benefit KPS. The money raised paid 136 KPS students’ tuition ($25 sends a student to school for a year). The pen pal project is now an ongoing project between these primary schools.

South Africa program participants are continuing to collaborate on fundraising with the HSCS this year to raise money for KPS school fees. We are asking for a minimum donation of $3 and using the Flat Stanley/Stacey paper dolls as a symbol of that giving. donors can designate 2007, 2008, or 2009 classes to be credited with your contribution. A prize will be awarded to the group of South Africa program participants who raise the most money for KPS.

In addition to monetary donations for school fees, the International Law Society is having a supply drive to benefit the kids and families of KPS. Because of the high cost of shipping, the 2009 South Africa program participants are volunteering to take the items to South Africa. We ask that you donate useful, lightweight items in all sizes such as hats, mittens, scarves, socks, and underwear. There will be a box located at the South Africa fundraising table.

Thank you for your support of the UF Law South Africa program's efforts to benefit the children of South Africa.