The purpose of the Bus Fund is to get sponsorship to transport learners from disadvantaged schools to the Environmental Education and Resource Centre at the Helderberg Nature Reserve in Somerset West.

The Mike Woods Environmental Education Centre is run by the Friends of the Helderberg  with a permaned education officer, assisted by a team of volunteers.
The Centre provides courses for schools, educating the youth in various environmental matters. Unfortunately our disadvantaged communities cannot get to our Centre and transport must be provided.

Children from Macassar Primary School in front of the bus

As neither the government nor the schools have money to sponsor buses for learners, the Bird Club, Education Centre and the Wildlife Society, started a project to generate funds. The purpose of this project is to allow as many children as possible access to the EEC. The following is envisaged.

• To get sponsorship for the bus fund.
• The sponsorship will provide a bus service to and from the EEC. At the Centre the learners will listen to talks or watch slide shows on various topics, such as birds, nature conservation, environmental awareness, wetlands, ecology and many more.
• Learners will go on short guided walks, exploring their natural surroundings.

This project is urgent, and we have no time to lose educating our youth to take responsibility for caring for the environment and to realise that they can make a difference to what happens in their future.
We therefore make a strong appeal to your generosity and any contribution you are able to make.