A scheme to raise funds and awareness of art education for schools in the local districts of King Williams Town and East London. The Schools' Tools project has been up-and-running since June 2003 and has already made a positive impact. Children and schools have benefited from materials and support, and the work continues to help bring a brighter future to a well deserving group of young people. With the continuing support of The Ranger Production Company, fund raisers in the UK and staff working in the Workshop we hope to be able to increase the amount of support we are able to give to local schools.

How it all started
My inspiration to help those children less fortunate than ourselves came some time ago, while visiting the poverty stricken townships of South Africa. While wandering around Nelson Mandela's museum in Umtata, I came across some wonderful pictures and letters written by the youth of South Africa to thank their Grandfather for his love and dedication towards peace. I was so touched by this that I wanted, in my small way, to give them inspiration to draw and write.

The idea was to help in a simple way. By raising funds in the UK and taking the proceeds out to Africa then buying art materials and educational aids to create fun activities for the younger members of the schools. The Ranger Production team have given us a building next to their factory near King Williams Town, which has been refurbished and cheerfully painted by Rebecca Crouch. She has helped a lot to get Schools' Tools started and continues to raise funds while at University in Scotland, UK.

We will be using the building to make chalkboards, pin-boards and other educational items, which will be distributed to the poorer schools to help improve their lives. If we can get help from local industries for the raw materials, recycled books, wood and paper for drawing - a lot can be achieved.

The fund-raising has started in the UK, with various projects in the local villages near my home. People are kept informed with newssheets and pictures of where their funding is being used.

It was very rewarding to present books to a school near Umtata who have now started a library.

Another project for the future is to run a mobile library for schools.

Your interest in the Schools' Tools project is welcomed, if you wish to make a donation please contact me at this email address - schoolstools@eranger.com