Providing a secure, learning environment for the youngest members of the community. A place where they are exposed to stimuli, social interaction, discipline, structure and comradeship. The Roos brothers truly understand that the greatest gift in life is the provision of a decent education. Only through education may we uplift ourselves and fully achieve self-reliance.
Over the years, as a result, certain structures have been created that are designed to give the farming community, situated on the property, a chance to improve their lives and become more self-reliant. In 2008 a significant portion of the farm was sub-divided and turned into Paul Roos Farming, a BEE Level 1 company, owned by the previously disadvantaged members of the farm. Since that time, the farm has successfully developed its vineyards and currently supplies a number of well-known wineries in the Stellenbosch area, with their grapes.
As the project evolves, Tjuks decided in 2013 that it was time to take it to the next level. For many years he had been sitting on a Trademarked name that he was inspired to register, well over a decade before; Paul Roos. He decided that two wines were going to be made, representing the best parcels of grapes available to him, from Paul Roos Farming. The maiden vintage was to be 2014.
“Die Skoolhoof”, a Chenin Blanc / Chardonnay co-fermentation.
“Die Filantroop”, a Shiraz / Cab Sauv / Merlot / Pinotage blend.
All profits generating from the sale of these two wines provide funding for an educational project on the farm. Aside from improving the crèche facility, it is now our goal to help provide assistance to the children once they move on from the crèche, through the layers of further education; right through to university. This takes many forms but essentially, with the provision of uniforms, text books and school fees.
The life skills that are being taught to the children, as well as the academic knowledge they are able to accumulate, will not only benefit them directly, it will also have a huge impact on the quality of life for their extended families, way into the future. To date, not a single child that has attended the crèche since 1983 has had to double a school year. In total, well over 100 children have benefited from this provision; over two dozen additional children are currently enjoying the support of this program, two of whom are studying at university.
As Tjuks has often quoted, “Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for the day. Teach him how to fish and he and his family will eat for the rest of their lives”. It’s a simple metaphor for life but one that he and his ancestors have strived for generations to encourage. This is a truly uplifting project that is the perfect example of how we, as a society, are able to take responsibility for ourselves. When the state is unable to provide, it is down to us all to make the difference. Together, we will.
If you are interested in learning more about the wine and the educational project, please feel free to make contact through the website; www.paulrooswine.com.