News

In the heart of South Africa’s Cape Winelands, a fleet of brightly painted trucks is doing far more than turning heads — it’s transforming futures.

DGB, best known as a premium wine producer with a passion for community development, is driving change through an inspiring initiative — the Travelling Classroom. With two state-of-the-art mobile classrooms already on the road and plans to expand even further, the project puts the brakes on inequality by delivering world-class learning experiences directly to rural children who need them most.

This project is giving thousands of children a real shot at brighter futures.

Education That Moves With the Times

Each Travelling Classroom is a 15-metre-long mobile hub of opportunity, fitted with everything a modern learner needs: shelves lined with books, a computer lab with 20 internet-enabled laptops, and even an audio-visual centre. The trucks travel between Paarl, Wellington, Hermon, Riebeek Wes, and Gouda, visiting 19 primary schools every two weeks — reaching over 5,000 learners and 153 teachers.

Beyond the technology and tools, the real magic lies in the dedicated team from Kinderland Akademie, who turn every visit into an unforgettable learning experience. Through their leadership, children aren't just absorbing facts; they’re discovering a love for learning that could change the course of their lives.

Tackling Literacy, Numeracy, and Social Values

The Travelling Classroom programme targets three critical areas: Language and Literacy, Maths and Computer Literacy, and Social Conscience.

In a country where more than 80% of Grade 4 learners struggle to read for meaning, easy access to books and engaging literacy programmes are game-changers. Meanwhile, the maths and computer literacy component, which includes access to the Green Shoots MCO online platform, ensures learners gain vital skills for today’s digital world.

Perhaps most inspiring is the Social Conscience module. Through cheerful songs, rhymes, and stories — all rooted in values like respect, honesty, and compassion — children are learning what it means to be responsible citizens in a society that desperately needs them.

Building a Brighter Story

“The reality is simple,” says Tim Hutchinson, Executive Chair at DGB. “If we can change the beginning of the story, we can change the whole story. Our goal is to see these children go on to higher education, remembering the lessons they’ve learnt along the way. If we achieve that, we’ll all be better for it.”

Thanks to backing from the DGB Charitable Trust, Hutch - Giving Children A Chance Trust, and leading donors like Daimler Truck, Ardagh Glass Packaging, and Rhenus Logistics, the Travelling Classroom is gathering momentum — and making an indelible impact.

Each truck requires a significant investment of R4.5 million to build and R750,000 a year to operate, but the returns — confident readers, curious minds, and responsible young citizens — are beyond measure.

The Ripple Effect

Teachers and principals in the community are already seeing the difference. Mr Winston Forbes, Principal of Rondeheuwel Primary School in Hermon, notes a remarkable increase in attendance on truck days, while Mr Bernard Solomons, Principal of Alfons Primary School, praises the initiative for bringing vital resources that otherwise would have been out of reach.

Behind the scenes, Kinderland Akademie’s team, led by Dr Thys Smith and Mrs Ilse Human, ensures the project runs like clockwork, blending logistics, education, and heartfelt commitment into a seamless operation.

Join the Journey

In a world grappling with inequality and resource scarcity, The Travelling Classroom stands out as a beacon of hope, driven by a simple but powerful belief: education can change everything.

DGB invites organisations, trusts, foundations, and individuals to get involved and help take this movement even further. Because when we invest in young learners today, we build the leaders South Africa needs tomorrow.
To find out more or become a part of The Travelling Classroom, reach out to

DGB at Charitable.Trust@dgb.co.za or call 021 864 5303 to chat with Ree du Toit.