Many children, particularly in the rural schools surrounding the towns that the Absa Cape Epic and Cape Odyssey pass through, do not even have desks in their classrooms. While kindergarten-aged children around the world may enjoy sitting on the floor at times, the importance of a desk for older learners surely needs little explanation. Proper education requires proper seating.

"Upon the subject of education, not presuming to dictate any plan or system respecting it, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people may be engaged in." - Abraham

When the Big Tree Foundation visited schools to discuss other programmes, and was made aware of the shortage of desks, Victor Sables? first port of call was to the riders of the Absa Cape Epic. The bulk of these riders have shown their generosity of spirit and eagerness to help where they can. Their numbers include many influential business people willing to use their networks to benefit society. One such rider is the MD of a group of companies that owns a desk manufacturer. With his involvement, the Big Tree Foundation will be delivering 300 desks this year, aiming to double that next year

Implementation:
The desks benefit more than just the learners: In 2007 they provided employment. Brought in "completely knocked down", the desks had to first be assembled and bolted together. The Big Tree Foundation employed a team to do so in November 2007, providing them with some vital income in time for the festive season, and ensuring the desks were ready to be delivered in January 2008.

Headmasters send motivations to the Big Tree Foundation, outlining their schools' needs. A panel assess these, with research done into the validity, before the desks are awarded: 30 per town, with an extra 30 to the town that wins the overall stage location prize.

Get involved. Sow seeds of hope.