KST conducted its first series of retreats, signifying the commencement of a transformative partnership with Globeleq, a leading independent power producer in Africa. This collaboration is poised to bring about positive change and advancement in education, particularly in schools located within a 50km radius of the Jefferys Bay Wind Farm.

The inaugural retreats unfolded as a crucial component of the District Whole School Development (DWSD) model, a KST initiative. The partnership, formalised after the signing of contracts with various business units, including De Aar Solar Plant, Droogfontein Solar Power, Jefferys Bay Wind Farm, and Boshof Solar Power, marks a strategic effort to enhance education and community development.

10 schools within the Jeffreys Bay’s business unit were the initial beneficiaries of these retreats, which engaged a total of 307 educators divided into four groups, 9 learners and 2 Circuit Managers. Over the course of 4 weekends in August, the retreats aimed to establish functional, independent schools and cultivate academically excellent school communities. The overarching goal is to institutionalise key practices that foster unity, motivation, accountability, and proactivity within the school teams.

As KST and Globeleq embark on this collaborative journey, the retreats symbolise a pivotal step in creating environments that are not only conducive to learning but also receptive to external investment and professional development interventions. This holistic approach seeks to bring about positive transformation, ensuring that education becomes a catalyst for broader community development.

The first retreats under this new partnership underscore the commitment of both organisations to making a lasting impact on education and the well-being of communities surrounding solar plants in the Eastern Cape. This marks the beginning of a promising chapter in the collaborative efforts to empower schools and uplift the educational landscape in the region.