Bitou 10 Foundation

01/09/2026

Congratulations Mr. Fihla! We are so proud that a Principal from Plettenberg Bay is being recognised and honoured with this National Teaching Award.

The Inclusive Education Leadership award goes to Mthobi Fihla from Phakamisani Primary School. Congratulations!

17/08/2026

✨💙 Gathering in Partnership 2026 — What an Evening! 💙✨

What a wonderful evening of connection, celebration, and shared purpose at our 2026 Gathering in Partnership!

Held at the beautiful Beacon Island Hotel, Plettenberg Bay, the evening brought together many of the people who make the work of the Bitou 10 Foundation possible—and it was a real privilege to have so many of our supporters, partners, school representatives, and friends in one room.

We were delighted to have the incredibly talented Kwanokuthula High School Choir open the evening with a fantastic performance, setting the tone for a celebration of the people and partnerships behind the Foundation. Director Siposetu Mshweshwe guided us through the programme, while Director Colin Wildeman welcomed guests with opening words.

We were also honoured to hear messages of goodwill from Kobus Koekemoer, Principal of Plettenbergbay Primary School, speaking on behalf of Suzette de Villiers, WCED Circuit Manager 4, who was unable to attend due to a prior WCED engagement, as well as from our Foundation Patron, Marietta van Rooyen.

Then came one of the highlights of the evening: Stories of Hope, Connection and Growth. Local principals shared their experiences of Bitou 10 Foundation programmes in their schools, giving us a wonderful glimpse into the difference these initiatives are making for learners and teachers every day. Hearing the impact directly from the schools we serve is always incredibly special—and a powerful reminder of why partnership matters.

Guests were also treated to a highlight video showcasing the YearBeyond Project and our YeBoneers, celebrating their journey and achievements during the first six months of the programme. Watching these young people step into their roles, grow in confidence, and make a difference in the lives of learners has been a real highlight of our year. 🌟

Director Barries Ferreira shared an insightful perspective on the benefits of charitable giving from an auditor's perspective, before Director Vijay Moodley brought the formal programme to a close with a vote of thanks.

And then came the opportunity to simply connect, chat, enjoy some wonderful food, and spend time together. The Lagoon Room provided a beautiful setting, the refreshments were fantastic, and the atmosphere was exactly what we hoped for—a room full of people who care about education, care about our community, and believe in what we can achieve together.

To everyone who joined us: thank you! And to our donors, sponsors, partners, schools, volunteers, staff, Board members, and supporters who continue to contribute their time, resources, expertise, and energy—this Foundation is stronger because of you. 💙

We left the evening feeling grateful, inspired, and genuinely excited about what lies ahead. The first half of 2026 has already brought so much momentum—and we're looking forward to seeing where the second half of the year takes us! 🚀

Here's to partnership, possibility, and the many more stories of hope still to come. 📚✨

10/08/2026

Happy Women’s Day from The Bitou 10 Foundation! 🌟

Today, we celebrate the incredible strength and dedication of women everywhere—especially those who are actively shaping the minds of tomorrow.

Empowered women empower the next generation. Whether in the classroom, at home, or in the community, the guidance and mentorship provided by strong female role models are the building blocks of a brighter future for our young girls and boys. When we invest in women and education, we elevate entire communities.

To all the educators, mothers, mentors, and leaders who pour their hearts into uplifting others: thank you. We see your impact, and we celebrate you today and every day.

Let's continue working together to inspire and equip the leaders of tomorrow! 💡📚

04/08/2026

🏆✨ Celebrating Excellence, Dedication, and Heart! ✨🏆

One of the greatest joys of the YearBeyond Programme is watching young people grow—not only in their skills, but in their confidence, leadership, and commitment to serving others.

Recently, we had the privilege of celebrating our incredible YeBoneers as they received certificates recognising their outstanding contributions over the first six months of the year. These awards honoured the dedication, consistency, and passion they bring to the schools and learners they serve every day.

📚 Reading Champion – Congratulations to Okuhle Sikili, whose enthusiasm and commitment to morning reading sessions have inspired a love of books and learning in so many young learners.

⭐ Attendance Award – Well done to Lathitha Ndabambi and Inganathi Mabombo, whose exceptional reliability and commitment have provided consistency and encouragement for both learners and their fellow YeBoneers.

🌟 After-School Sessions
🥇 1st Place: Inga Mabombo
🥈 2nd Place: Geraldine Jansen
🥉 3rd Place: Avuye Dyantyi

These dedicated YeBoneers went above and beyond, giving their time and energy to provide additional learning opportunities for children long after the school bell had rung.

💙 Resilience Award – Congratulations to Aidon Boli and Asivenathi Mama, whose perseverance, strength, and unwavering commitment in the face of personal challenges remind us what true resilience looks like. Your determination is an inspiration to us all.

These awards celebrate much more than achievements—they celebrate character. Every reading session, every afternoon spent supporting learners, every day of faithful attendance, and every obstacle overcome represents a young person choosing to invest in the future of others.

We are incredibly proud of each and every one of our YeBoneers. Thank you for the energy, compassion, and dedication you bring into our schools each day. You are making a real difference, and we can't wait to see what the next six months will bring.

Congratulations to all our award recipients! 🎉👏💙

22/07/2026

🌟 We're Hiring – Project Coordinator

Please share this opportunity with your network—we'd love to reach the right person for this important role.

13/07/2026

📚❄️ Learning Doesn't Take a Holiday! ❄️📚

This winter holiday, something special is happening at Kwanokuthula Library!

The YearBeyond Catch-Up Programme, in partnership with Bitou 10 Foundation and Bitou Municipality Library Services, is creating a safe, fun, and inspiring space where learners can continue to learn, grow, and thrive while schools are closed.

Led by our enthusiastic YeBoneers, the Holiday Programme is packed with engaging activities designed to spark curiosity and build confidence. From guided reading and educational games to storytelling, creative arts, team-building activities, and life skills, every day is an opportunity for learners to discover something new while having fun.

But this programme is about so much more than keeping children busy during the holidays. It's about nurturing a love of learning, building friendships, developing confidence, and creating a space where every child feels encouraged, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

By bringing together the passion of our YeBoneers, the welcoming environment of the library, and the shared commitment of our partners, we're investing not only in education, but in the future of our community.

Here's to a holiday filled with learning, laughter, creativity, and opportunity. Together, we're proving that some of the best learning happens long after the school bell rings. 💙📖✨

06/07/2026

📬 Our Term 2 Newsletter Has Arrived!

There's something special about looking back and seeing just how much can happen in a single school term.

From inspiring young readers and empowering youth leaders, to strengthening classrooms, celebrating community partnerships, and creating new opportunities for learners across Bitou, Term 2 has been filled with stories of hope, growth, and impact.

Inside this edition, you'll discover how schools, teachers, volunteers, donors, partners, and our wider community are working together to help children build confidence, unlock potential, and create brighter futures through education.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. We hope these stories encourage you as much as they continue to inspire us.

Together, we're building stronger foundations, brighter futures, and lasting change—one learner at a time. 💙📚

📖 Click the link to read our latest newsletter.

RISING TO THE OCCASSION

03/07/2026

📚✨ A New Chapter for Literacy at Phakamisani Primary School! ✨📚

There is something truly exciting about a school making literacy a shared priority—and that's exactly what we're celebrating at Phakamisani Primary School with the launch of its new literacy outreach initiative, designed to foster a lifelong love of reading.

At Bitou 10 Foundation, we are proud to stand alongside the school as it builds a culture where books, stories, and learning come alive for every child.

This vision is strengthened through two of our literacy initiatives that work hand-in-hand with teachers in the classroom:

📖 Our Reading & English Project provides every Grade 3 learner with a literacy pack every two weeks, reinforcing essential reading, comprehension, phonics, and writing skills while supporting the transition from learning to read to reading to learn.

🌟 Our YearBeyond Project places dedicated Yeboneers in Grade 3 and Grade 4 classrooms, providing additional literacy and numeracy support and helping teachers create even more opportunities for learners to thrive.

When schools, teachers, communities, and organisations work together, incredible things happen. We are excited to support Phakamisani's literacy journey and can't wait to see the confidence, curiosity, and love of reading that will continue to grow in the months ahead.

Here's to opening books, opening minds, and opening doors to brighter futures—one learner at a time. 💙📚

29/06/2026

Exciting Career Opportunity: The Bitou 10 Foundation is recruiting an ADMINISTRATION OFFICER to become part of the team! Details below.