Businesses

Thembelihle Primary School Receives Hope: Wonderbag

Published

10 years ago

17 June 2016

Durbanite

On the 16^th of June 2016, two Durban based companies, Wonderbag and Durban’s five-star Oyster Box Hotel, launched their first educational and economic-inclusive initiative for underprivileged communities in South Africa. The launch of the first phase of this ambitious initiative fittingly took place on Youth Day at Thembelihle Primary School in Howick to the parents of pupils who come from impoverished communities. The invited 300 parents enjoyed a tasty and healthy Wonderbag-cooked meal amidst lots of singing and uplifting educational demonstrations provided by Wonderbag’s activation teams. Not only did the local families leave with full stomachs and hearts, they were also the delighted recipients of subsidised Wonderbags for their homes.

Sarah Collins, Founder and CEO of Wonderbag, addressed the receptive crowd and acknowledged the importance of this momentous occasion being the 40^th anniversary of the Sharpeville uprising as well as the significance for her of launching this community model in her hometown of Howick. “Howick is a very special place to me as it was here that I spent a few years learning from Dr Ian Player about my life’s purpose while living on his farm in the Karkloof. I believe that just like Hector and all the brave children who actively went about affecting change this day forty years ago – so too do we all have the power within us to improve our lives and that of our family’s and community. We want to protect our future leaders from the harsh realities and dangers of indoor air pollution and shack fires. So many children living in these communities face these dangers on a daily basis when trying to cook for themselves on open flames while their parents are working long hours to contribute to their family’s wellbeing. Thembelihle Primary School is a beacon of light to this inspiring community and is making a major impact on the lives of so many young people who come from a difficult living situation. We hope that through our partnership with them we can make even a small but significant difference to the lives of these children and their families through the power of the Wonderbag and it’s many end-user benefits,” Sarah shared.

Wonderbag as a brand is intrinsically linked to enhancing the overall quality of people’s lives through the many health, safety, economic and time-saving benefits of the product. The company has a history of empowering communities with women being identified as the key caregivers for families and communities across all races and classes. It’s also no secret that Collins’ has a passion for finding ways to empower people living in hard circumstances, which is why she was “overwhelmed” with the success of the first activation working with an established and reputed school and community organisation like Thembelihle Primary School.

Thembelihle Primary School is run independently and relies purely on donations to sustain its operations that cater for vulnerable children in the greater Howick region. The school also has ties to other community-focused centres that cater to the needs of the people living in this region. According to Principal Damon Shaw, this school is more than just an educational centre for Howick’s children and further serves the needs of the community as a safe haven. “The school’s name means ‘good hope’ and we are very proud of the trust and reputation we have earned from the families living here as they openly regard us as a beacon of hope to the community. We not only strive to provide our learners with a great education in the traditional sense, but we also provide them with a holistic life education which includes assisting with health care, emotional support and counselling as well as feeding them nutritional meals and providing health supplements to our students. Our school’s cook was given a big catering Wonderbag from Sarah and her team and she now swears by it for all the school’s cooking needs,” Shaw stated.

There are many instances and success stories already about how Thembelihle Primary School has helped countless children and their families overcome a variety of issues ranging from health to educational deficiencies. According to the school’s Chairman, Carolyn Hancock, the partnership of Wonderbag and The Oysterbox Hotel is a hugely exciting one with countless benefits to be had for the school and the community at large. “We are so grateful already to the generosity of both these entities. The Oysterbox Hotel not only covered the costs for the food provided at the Youth Day Wonderfeast, but they also donated an additional R25 000 which went towards covering the tuition of five of our learners for the year. The Wonderbag’s incredible donation of Wonderbags (valued at R90 000) has gone towards raising funds for the sustainability of our school. Sarah and I are both firm believers based on our experiences that the most effective form of empowerment to disadvantaged communities is through the provision of resources and knowledge, which will enable them to constructively improve the state of living of their families. That’s why during the Wonderfeast each family that attended was given a bag at a minimal cost, along with knowledge on how to derive the most benefit from the product. Our families were delighted to pay something for receiving a Wonderbag as it will not only benefit their own families, but the proceeds are also going straight back into their contributing to the operating expenses of the school – an important contribution for our parents who highly value the level of education offered to their children at Thembelihle,” explained Hancock.

Collins added, “By insisting that these families make a small contribution towards ‘buying’ their own Wonderbag they will appreciate the product much more and the likelihood is they will also use it regularly. That’s ultimately what we want because we know first-hand how this product can help enhance their lives in so many small but meaningful ways. This particular activation and launch with Thembelihle is a model that we would like to replicate across South Africa and eventually into Africa. We have seen the power and effectiveness of the Wonderbag with over 1 million bags already sold around the world and we know first-hand how this simple but revolutionary product can help communities in areas that are faced with poverty, health issues and a shortage of fuel resources.”

Thembelihle Primary School is just one of the centres in this area, which has become a pillar of strength within the Howick community. Also affiliated to the school is the Angels Care Centre which has a pre-school, a bridging class for children who have never had the chance to attend school, an aftercare programme for students to obtain assistance with their studies, a weekly feeding programme for over 300 children as well as a reputable crisis centre for children who are victims of gender based violence.

Author: Durbanite

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Business

Award-Winning Tutoring and Extra Lessons with Qualified Teachers

Published

7 days ago

12 January 2026

mrjoelmagic

Quality Tutoring and Extra Lessons That Build Confidence and Results

Every child learns in their own way. Some enjoy the classroom setting, while others benefit from extra time and focused support to strengthen their understanding. Many families also choose extra lessons simply to give their children more confidence and a stronger foundation. That is where Kip McGrath Westville makes a difference. Recognised at the Best of Durban Awards, the centre is trusted across KZN for helping learners grow in both skill and self-belief.

Qualified Teachers, Local Understanding

One of the things that makes Kip McGrath Westville stand out is its team of qualified teachers from schools in and around the community. These are professionals who understand both the curriculum and the challenges learners face, and who bring classroom experience into a focused tutoring environment.

Sessions are available across a wide range of subjects, including English, Maths, Maths Literacy, Afrikaans, Science, Accounting, Physics, Study Skills and, School Readiness, supporting learners from Grade R through to Grade 12.

This variety means support is available for early foundational learning, exam preparation and everything in between.

Building Strong Foundations

The journey begins with a free, no-obligation assessment. This looks at a child’s current year and the two years prior. English is the language of instruction for most subjects, so having a solid grasp of it helps learners better understand everything from Maths problems to Science concepts.

By identifying areas that need strengthening, tutors can design a programme that gives each learner the support they need to feel more confident and prepared.

What to Expect from a Kip Session

Each learner follows a personalised programme that matches their needs and goals. Extra lessons are structured to be focused, engaging and supportive:

~ A session concentrating on one subject at a time.
~ A maximum of four students per session.
~ A combination of computer activities and written work to keep learning interesting.
~ Guidance from qualified teachers who provide encouragement and structure.
~ Clear goals that help learners see their progress and celebrate achievements.

More Than Just Better Marks

Kip McGrath is not only about improving results. It is about helping children feel more confident in their learning, giving them the tools to manage challenges and the reassurance that they can succeed. Parents often see a positive shift in how their children approach school, noticing greater independence and a more relaxed attitude to their studies.

Working Together with Families

The best results happen when families and tutors work together. At Kip McGrath:

~ Learners receive weekly homework to practise what they have studied.
~ Parents are kept up to date with regular feedback on progress.
~ Kip McGrath facilitates an open line of communication between its tutors, parents, the school, and the child’s teachers for full transparency on extra lessons.

This teamwork ensures that each learner feels encouraged and supported throughout their academic journey.

Lasting Results

The programmes at Kip McGrath are progressive and measurable. Children start at their level and build step by step toward their goals. With consistency and encouragement, learners gain confidence, improve their understanding, and feel more at ease with their schoolwork.

Why Families Choose Kip

With 50 years of international experience, and branches all over South Africa, and other areas of the world including the UK and Australia, Kip McGrath has supported generations of learners. Families choose Kip McGrath Westville for its caring approach and proven results. Recognition at the Best of Durban Awards is a reflection of the impact they continue to make in the community.

Book a Free Assessment

Whether your child could use some extra support or simply wants to strengthen their foundation, Kip McGrath Westville is here to help. Start with a free, no-obligation assessment and see the difference a little extra guidance & a few extra lessons can make.

At Kip McGrath, it is not just about lessons. It is about building confidence, supporting growth, and giving every child the chance to feel secure in their learning.

Contact Kip McGrath Today!

Call: 031 267 2734

Email: accounts@kipwestville.co.za

Web: www.kipmcgrath.co.za/westville

Instagram: @kipwestville

Facebook: @KipWestville

Author: mrjoelmagic

Businesses

Barkies: Homemade Pet Treats

Published

1 month ago

9 December 2025

Shelley

Freshness You Can Trust, Impact You Can See! 🐾
Looking for treats that are genuinely good for your furry (or hoofed!) family members?

Welcome to Barkies—where every treat is baked with love, fresh ingredients, and a commitment to animal welfare.

We believe in complete transparency. Our treats are always homemmade with fresh, natural ingredients, and we are proud to tell you exactly what goes into every single bite.

✨ Year-End Combo Special: Spoil Your Pup! ✨
To celebrate the year, we’re making it easy to spoil your dog with the best of Barkies:

Item Details
12 Pupcakes Choose your dog’s favourite flavour!
500g Fresh Dog Treats Choose your flavour!
Combo Price R220

This is the perfect package for holiday gatherings, puppy parties, or just showing extra love!

🌍 Treats with a Heart
We’re not just about delicious treats; we’re about giving back. Barkies donates 20% of every single sale to incredible animal charities right here in Durban. When you buy from us, you’re directly helping local animals in need.

🥕 Simple, Delicious & Safe
Our treats are simple but delicious and contain no nasty preservatives. Please store all Barkies products in the fridge or freezer to keep them fresh.

We make treats for dogs, cats, and horses!

🎉 BARKIES YEAR-END COMBO IS ON! 🎉

Get 12 Pupcakes + 500g Dog Treats (Flavours of your choice) for R220!

✅ Homemade, Fresh & Natural
✅ Treats for Dogs, Cats & Horses
✅ 20% Donated to Durban Animal Charities!

ORDER NOW: WhatsApp Bianca on 076 190 0442 (Collection or Delivery available)

Author: Shelley

Business

Earn Money Working as a Summer Camp Counselor with Hopscotch!

Published

2 months ago

7 November 2025

mrjoelmagic

Turn a Gap Year into a USA Summer Camp Experience!

If your child is finishing Matric this year and still figuring out what to do next, here’s an incredible opportunity to turn uncertainty into adventure and earn while doing it!

Instead of jumping straight into studies or staying home, they can spend their gap year in the USA working as a Summer Camp Counselor in 2026 enjoying an endless summer, gaining international work experience, and getting paid in dollars.

Through Hopscotch Travel’s Summer Camp USA program, young South Africans aged 18- 26 can spend May to August working at reputable American summer camps. Their role is simple but meaningful: keeping campers safe, happy, and engaged in activities that make lifelong memories. Counselors often become mentors and friends, many describe it as “the best summer of their lives.”

This program is perfect for anyone who:

Loves the outdoors and working with people
Has experience with children (coaching, tutoring, babysitting, or teaching)
Wants a gap year job that builds confidence, independence, and global experience

Hopscotch ensures each participant is matched with a trusted, accredited camp that provides free accommodation, meals, and community throughout their stay. In their downtime, counselors get to explore nearby towns, visit iconic U.S. cities, and experience authentic American culture.
And here’s the best part: Hopscotch Travel has 25 funded flights available! Participants can fly to the USA now and repay the flight cost once they start earning.

Why Choose Hopscotch’s Summer Camp USA Experience?

Earn a minimum of R42,000 in 9 weeks
Accommodation and meals included
Basic U.S. health insurance for the duration of your stay
In-person training and onboarding before departure
Access to Hopscotch’s Camp Club Community for ongoing support

Help your child turn 2026 into a year of purpose, adventure, and growth. It’s not just a gap year, it’s a step forward. Let them spread their wings, gain confidence, and return home with stories, friendships, and real-world experience.

Website: hopscotchtravel.co.za
Camp Counselor: hopscotchtravel.co.za/usa-summer-camp/
Instagram: @hopscotchtravelsa
Facebook: @hopscotchtravelsa