The official establishment of the Wood Student Foundation took place during the organisation of the first Wood Conference. This was a milestone in providing targeted support for student projects in the field of timber construction at South African universities. Since then, we have not only offered students a platform to present their projects at the annual Wood Conference in Cape Town, but also the opportunity to apply their knowledge in practice and create sustainable solutions for community buildings. This vision is based on the conviction that a growing wood-processing sector not only creates jobs, but also makes a valuable contribution to climate-friendly, CO2-neutral construction. The promotion of timber construction combines sustainability with economic development and offers long-term prospects.
Through education, we impart knowledge about wood as a sustainable building material - both at an individual and community level. In this way, we aim to inspire future generations to make a positive change for South Africa and beyond with innovative and environmentally friendly solutions.
The Wood Student Foundation is an expression of my deep connection with Cape Town, South Africa and its wonderful people. Our focus is on the children and young people of the townships as well as young refugees from Central Africa, for whom we want to open up new opportunities through education. At the same time, we support selected projects in which architecture students develop and realise sustainable buildings in which community facilities are built from wood and wood-based materials.
Education is the key to a better future for young people. That is why we have invested specifically in educational projects from the very beginning. From supporting Ark Angel kindergarten initiatives to paying education fees for students. In this way, we enable children to get a good start in learning and young adults to successfully complete their education. For a future with real prospects!
Baphumelele aims to provide a temporary home for vulnerable/orphaned children and young adults with chronic illnesses and HIV/AIDS. Baphumelele wants to support them to grow up to be confident and happy people who can then positively influence and shape their environment.
We are supporting the reconstruction of the building, which fell victim to a fire in the summer of 2024. This will be realised in timber construction.
Every year, half of the required school fees are paid for 30 students each month. This contribution means a great relief for the respective parents, as the Bright Student Learning Centre is a private organisation that does not receive any state support. Parents therefore have to pay the entire school fees for their children.
20 trained employees lovingly look after 300 children every day. They learn, do handicrafts, have fun, play and tutor, organise excursions and serve two hot meals. The building requires some maintenance. Renovation work is carried out regularly.
We regularly support the project financially.
The Imizamo Yethu Learning Hub Afterschool Care Centre was built in 2024 to ensure that the children are looked after in the afternoons and kept off the streets when they leave Little Lambs at the age of 6 and attend primary school. Today, almost 100 pupils between the ages of 7 and 12 are looked after in the afternoons. In addition to homework, games and sports are offered, as well as support with maths, spelling and reading. Nevertheless, the concept is ‘Learning through play’.
Last year, the WSF provided financial support for the redesign of the playground, which Little Lambs and the IY Learning Hub share. This year, noise protection devices were approved for the 6 classrooms, which are to be installed soon.
For four years, the Wood Student Foundation paid the college fees for Nadine Solomons, an exceptionally hard-working and talented law student. She graduated at the end of 2023, was able to complete a three-month internship and has been working in a law firm since 2024.
WSF supported the Nourish Educare kindergarten, which is located in the township of Vrygrond, until it received state recognition in 2023 and the kindergarten became financially independent.
In this fantastic building with four group rooms and a playground, the children from the township can feel at home, learn, play and simply be children.
In 2019, we supported the construction of the new Ark Angels kindergarten in Cape Town's Overcome Heights township with planning, construction and materials.
With the WSF, I not only want to give hope, but also work with committed people to shape a future that offers more equal opportunities and prospects. I invite you to be part of this journey - because together we can achieve great things. This foundation is not just my work - it is the result of joint efforts, shared dreams and the belief that together we can create a better future. Thank you for walking this path with me!
Bank details
Bank: First National Bank
Acc No: 62577146246
Branch Name: GARDENS
Branch Code: 201511
Swift Code: FIRNZAJ (XXX)
Without strong and inspiring people at my side, the Wood Student Foundation would not be what it is today. My heartfelt thanks go to all those who have accompanied, motivated and supported me on this journey - be it through advice, action or their trust in my vision. In particular, I would like to thank the dedicated women who, with their passion, knowledge and tireless commitment, have helped to promote education and sustainable construction in South Africa. Their commitment has not only made projects possible, but has also changed lives.
‘For many years, I have been drawn back to the south, to where the sun shines and life pulsates. Over a decade ago, Cape Town became my second home during the northern winter months. A place where I not only learnt to love the breathtaking nature and the warmth of the people, but was also confronted with the challenges that many here have to overcome on a daily basis. Close friendships in Cape Town gave me an insight into life beyond the holiday idyll. The reality of the townships, where children and young people often grow up without prospects. These impressions moved me deeply and awakened in me the desire not just to observe, but to actively help. ’
‘I have been a member of the WSF Foundation Board since 2024. I have visited many projects on site and each time it is touching to see how grateful people are for the direct help and the commitment behind the projects. A big thank you is due to all those who work in these lively, creative and hopeful places for the local people.’
‘Elke, George and I were effectively the midwives of the Wood Student Foundation. Our job at the Foundation is to personally visit our projects and ensure that the donations are invested fairly and for a specific purpose. The long-standing and very personal connection to the WSF projects makes this task so fulfilling for me, as you can see with your own eyes every time how well and sensibly donations can be invested.’
‘I believe that events are not subject to chance, so meeting Katharina and George in 2017 was a significant turning point. George immediately took an interest in my new project ‘Ark Angels Educare’ and during the construction phase we became an efficient team that got on well in every respect. The completion of the kindergarten was a milestone for the Wood Student Foundation. Subsequently, further opportunities for projects opened up for us. Since 2008, I have been committed to helping disadvantaged children in Imizamo Yethu, a township in Hout Bay. I firmly believe that each individual has the power to eliminate inequalities and improve the lives of others. With our own commitment, we can offer many children a new standard of education and holistic development. The well-being of children is very important to me personally and I am highly motivated to work towards realising this goal.’
‘Since 2012, I have been an active member of the Wood Student Foundation, a key initiative under the Group of Companies. Over the years, I have witnessed and contributed to the foundation’s impactful work in supporting local organizations dedicated to improving the well-being of the community. Through my long-term involvement, I have played a role in various projects focusing on education, empowerment, and sustainability, as the Chief Administrator. In addition to my role within the foundation, I am deeply committed to personal community service. I take a hands-on approach by regularly preparing and distributing meals to those in need, demonstrating my dedication to helping the less fortunate and fostering a sense of compassion and solidarity within the community.‘