Afterschool care at Simonsig

Simonsig, in conjunction with the Anna Foundation, has opened an afterschool facility that offers a safe and stable study environment to school going children from Grades R - 7 whose parents are permanently employed by the wine estate. The centre was initiated in close partnership with the estate's social programme, Reach for Gold, which raised funds to kit out the facility's kitchen.

Reach for Gold is acknowledged by local government as an exemplary model of grass roots development within farming communities. A group of permanent farm workers heads this organisation and funds are raised through an innovative roll-on-lawn project - for which the Malan family of Simonsig has allocated 5ha of farmland. The funds are ploughed back into the community, contributing towards numerous projects. The Anna Foundation is a non-profit organisation supporting disadvantaged schools and communities by providing literacy, art classes and sports training.

"Part of our philosophy is to ensure that all our children are assisted with the necessary skills and opportunities that will enable them to empower themselves," explains Simonsig co-owner and MD, Francois Malan. "We value the Foundation's 'three R's' ethos which stands for Reading, Running and Righting. With them managing our centre, our kids are assisted with their homework, additional educational programmes and sports development and participation.