Through its strategic partnership with DGB and other supporters, the Rhenus Group is contributing not only its logistical expertise but also its commitment to sustainable development and social responsibility. The second mobile classroom, unveiled on 10 February 2025 by Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen, will now serve an even larger number of students and teachers, expanding the reach of this essential educational resource.
Driving Change Through Logistics
As one of the world’s leading logistics service providers, the Rhenus Group understands the critical importance of efficient, reliable, and timely delivery in driving successful educational initiatives. The Travelling Classroom project leverages logistics expertise to ensure that the mobile learning units move seamlessly between the 19 rural schools they serve, helping over 5,000 students and 153 teachers each year.
A Partnership with Purpose
The Travelling Classroom initiative is designed to address critical educational challenges in rural Western Cape communities, particularly in literacy and access to technology. With over 80% of Grade 4 students in the region struggling with reading comprehension, the project focuses on:
- Language and Literacy Development: A comprehensive range of books and educational materials aimed at improving reading skills.
- Maths and Computer Literacy: Equipped with 20 laptops, each classroom provides internet access and the Green Shoots MCO mathematics program, designed to support the South African curriculum.
- Social Conscience: Educational content that nurtures responsible citizenship and moral development among students.
The initiative consists of two mobile classrooms, each costing R4.5 million to equip, with operating costs of R750,000 annually. The Rhenus Group has proudly partnered with DGB and other corporate supporters, such as Daimler Truck and Ardagh Glass Packaging, to ensure that the second mobile classroom was successfully launched. All contributors share a common spirit: if we can change the beginning of the story, we can change the whole story.
Impacting Communities Together
Since its launch, The Travelling Classroom has received praise from local educators for its positive impact on student attendance, engagement, and academic performance. School principals, including Mr. Solomons from Alfons Primary School and Mr. Forbes from Rondeheuwel Primary School, have noted the significant improvements in student participation and the overall school atmosphere on days when the mobile classrooms visit.
“We believe that every child should have the opportunity to reach their full potential, and initiatives like The Travelling Classroom are an important way to make that happen,” explains Julian Bester, Regional Manager Western Cape - Rhenus South Africa. “By supporting The Travelling Classroom, we are not only helping to provide resources – we are investing in the future of these children. We are proud to be part of a project that is driving long-term positive change for these communities.”
The Rhenus Group is committed to supporting initiatives like The Travelling Classroom that are aligned with its values of community development and global responsibility. By helping to ensure the smooth transportation and logistics of these mobile classrooms, Rhenus is playing an integral role in the success of this impactful project.
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