Since its launch, over R1 million has been raised from corporate and personal donations and over R900 000 from two fund raiser expeditions, resulting in the summit of both Aconcagua and Kilimanjaro.
The project was originally formed in 2004 under the Rock4AIDS banner, which has subsequently been re-named and re-focused to its current form. "In 2007, when we started engaging with the school, we realised that the issue is not just HIV and AIDS education, but so much more," says Pepe Marais, chairman of One School at a Time, as well as ECD at Joe Public.
"We knew we had to make a concrete commitment to making a difference and we knew it would be a long and slow process and have therefore committed to a 25-year plan to assist Forte High and many others along the way.
"Involved from the very beginning"
"Bronwyn has been involved in this project from the very beginning and knows exactly where the challenges and opportunities lie. We know she's going to make a great impact."
In 2010, Klasie Wessels, an ex-advertising executive, joined up with One School at a Time in its fundraising efforts. Since then, he has become an integral independent partner of the team, who has invested his personal time in engaging, leading and motivating Forte High educators and learners on a leadership level.
The agency has assisted the school in creating its own purpose statement and vision. It is the agency's belief that to grow any brand, you need to start with the 'why'. Why does a brand or business exist? This insight can inspire results in terms of outcomes, as shown by the fact that the pass rate has shifted from 52% to 66% during the last year.
