Winterberg School
The Winterberg School Trust is a rural, non-profit and community-based organisation in the Winterberg district of the Eastern Cape, near Tarkastad. At the heart of WST is our low-cost independent school, for children from Pre-School to Grade 6.
Our Vision
The Winterberg School Trust strives for the sustainable empowerment and development of children, parents and educators in the Winterberg community, through a holistic approach to education and the creation of opportunities for social and economic upliftment.
The WST provides the facilities, equipment and materials necessary to support a quality education for the children of the Winterberg community.
Our History
There had for many years been several farm schools in the Winterberg district, each offering a basic education to the children living locally. Children who either did not have access to these schools, or who wanted to extend their education beyond what was being supported, had to find boarding and attend schools in larger towns, which for some was up to 150km from home.
During the political unrest of the 1980s, people had an additional concern: the safety of their children attending school in the townships. This led to the establishment of the Winterberg School Trust – a vehicle through which the community could begin to address its educational problems. Since that time the school has remained in operation, and has maintained a focus on Early Childhood Development so as to help keep young children living at home and in education for as long as possible before they are required to travel further afield for continued schooling.
Our Community
The school is located in a rural farming community, 40km from the nearest town, Tarkastad. The majority of learners are the children of farm workers. Some pupils are the first generation within their families to be receiving a structured and quality education. Parents are encouraged to participate in the early education of their children through various initiatives such as Parent Days, workshops, and access to well-stocked Toy and Book Libraries. There are adult skills development initiatives run by the WST, including Luncedo, which consists of ten previously unemployed women who, after participating in an extensive program of training in sewing and fabric painting, have established a sustainable business that produces quality clothing and items of home décor in original, ethnic designs. Members of Luncedo are solely dependent on the business for a monthly income. The WST supports the business through the provision of opportunities for additional learning in craft-techniques and through the provision of support regarding the financial management and administration of the enterprise.