On the road to learning: How the Travelling Classroom is changing education
In an inspiring move to improve education in South Africa’s rural areas, the “Travelling Classroom” is taking learning on the road.
Two high-tech mobile classrooms are now serving over 5,000 primary school children across the Cape Winelands District, bringing books, computers, and essential educational tools to communities that need them most.
This initiative, launched by DGB, a leading premium wine producer, was recently expanded with the unveiling of a second mobile classroom at Alfons Primary School in Paarl on Monday 10 February 2025.
The launch was attended by Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, who emphasised the importance of education in solving the country’s unemployment, inequality, and poverty challenges.
“Education is the key,” said Steenhuisen, highlighting the need for partnerships between the private sector and government to ensure all children have access to quality learning.
The Travelling Classroom consists of two 15-meter trailer trucks, each costing R4.5 million to set up and R750,000 annually to run.
These mobile classrooms travel to 19 primary schools every two weeks, offering resources such as books, laptops with internet access, and a variety of educational programs.
A key focus is bridging the gap in literacy and numeracy, with over 80% of Grade 4 students in the region struggling with reading comprehension.
The classrooms cover three main areas: language and literacy development, maths and computer literacy, and teaching social conscience by nurturing responsible citizenship.
Backed by generous donors, including Daimler Truck, Ardagh Glass Packaging, and Rhenus Logistics, this project is a beacon of hope for many children and teachers in rural areas.
DGB’s Tim Hutchinson added: “If we can change the beginning of the story, we can change the whole story,” urging others to join in this transformative effort.
Principals from schools involved in the program, like Bernard Solomons of Alfons Primary, have seen firsthand the positive impact on student engagement and attendance, especially on days when the Travelling Classroom visits.
As the initiative grows, DGB invites others to partner with them to help shape the future of education in South Africa.
For more information or to get involved, reach out to DGB at Charitable.Trust@dgb.co.za.
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za