Caleon and AfriSam show learners the art of concrete

More learners at The Gateway School, a leading school in
Roodepoort for special education needs, were recently empowered in the art of
concrete creations.

Through a structured mentorship programme undertaken by precast concrete
manufacturer Caleon Garden Creations, learners are being given
the opportunity to create their own art using concrete. A range of other skills
is also being imparted during the initiative, creating concrete possibilities for learners as they prepare to
graduate.

The Gateway School’s
focus is helping learners with special needs to achieve their full potential,
by providing excellent educational opportunities and developing each learner
holistically. This includes empowering them with the skills and knowledge they
need in the world of work. In doing this, the school often partners with
corporates to expose the learners to various skills and has partnered with
Caleon Garden Creations for the last four years.

AfriSam recently came
on board to support Caleon Garden Creations in this worthy cause. In the
programme, three or four learners are taken in at a time, and management and
employees take these youngsters under their wing.

With a
factory in Rietfontein, Caleon Garden Creations manufactures a wide range of
concrete products such as tables, benches, pots and water features. Its
products epitomise creativity and artistry in the use of concrete.

For
AfriSam, with its commitment to community upliftment and empowerment, this initiative
represented a fitting cause. The company’s own efforts are focused on
initiatives that are sustainable and enable the beneficiaries to be
self-sufficient.

“We are
very excited to be a part of this initiative and are inspired to see the work
that Caleon Garden Creations has been doing with The Gateway School.” said
Adele Wentzel, sales manager for AfriSam. “Going forward, we would like to
continue in this partnership and ensure we do our part to make this initiative
possible.”

At the completion
of their practical block, learners were excited to show off their creations and
exuded confidence in working with concrete. It was a proud moment for all
involved as they witnessed the achievements of these learners and their enthusiasm
in showcasing their art.

Speaking
at the event, Caleon Garden Creations owner Ferdi de Wit said the initiative
was the company’s way of contributing to the upliftment of society.

“For my
team and I, working with The Gateway School is a heart-warming tradition that
we are proud to carry through,” said De Wit. “It is our greatest pleasure to
impart skills that these young learners can use. Hopefully, we have inspired
them to build on these skills and to create their own businesses in the future.
With each group that joins us, we are always inspired by the commitment from
the school.”

Speaking
on behalf of The Gateway School, its occupational therapist Karen Botha said
they were touched that there were people who understood the school’s needs and were
committed to helping this cause.

“Our
continued partnership with Caleon Garden Creations and now with AfriSam gives
our learners opportunities to learn new skills,” said Botha. “More importantly,
it helps them build confidence in their abilities and shows them just how much
more they are capable of. For that, we are grateful.”  

About AfriSam

AfriSam
is the leading black-controlled concrete materials group in southern Africa and
the only established cement manufacturer to hold a Level 4 B-BBEE rating.  Since establishing its first cement plant in
1934, the company has grown into a formidable construction materials group with
operations in South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland and Tanzania. 

From
its seven cementitious manufacturing facilities, 17 quarries and 43 readymix
operations, the group has the capacity to produce in excess of 5 million tons
of cement, 10 million tons of aggregate, 800 000 tons of slagment and 2
million cubic meters of readymix concrete annually.

More information from
Maxine Nel, Tel: +27(0)11 670 5893 / email: maxine.nel@za.afrisam.com / www.afrisam.com