Executive Summary

Proposal: Establishing a Sustainable Education & Training Centre in Philadelphia, Western Cape Submitted by: EduRise Africa Date: 4 August 2025 Prepared by: Amanda Fourie, Founder & CEO 1 Executive Summary Philadelphia, a picturesque village in the Western Cape surrounded by the Cape Winelands, is steeped in history and community spirit. Despite its charm and potential, the community faces socio-economic challenges that limit access to quality education, vocational training, and sustainable economic opportunities. This proposal outlines the development of a Community-Based Education & Training Centre in Philadelphia that will: • Provide quality academic support for learners of all ages. • Offer vocational and artisan training aligned with local economic opportunities. • Serve as a hub for community engagement, creativity, and cultural heritage preservation. • Create sustainable income streams through tourism, arts, events, and partnerships. The project will integrate the village’s heritage and natural assets to ensure that education and economic development go hand-in-hand, ultimately enabling residents to uplift themselves and contribute meaningfully to the local and regional economy. 2. Background and Rationale Philadelphia’s small population of approximately 570 residents is predominantly Afrikaans-speaking (86.7%), with a rich cultural identity rooted in history and rural life. The local economy is primarily linked to agriculture, hospitality, and small-scale tourism. However: • Access to quality education and training is limited. • Youth often leave the area to seek opportunities elsewhere, contributing to rural depopulation. • Many adults lack access to upskilling and sustainable employment pathways. With the Philadelphia Meul property currently closed and available for redevelopment, there is a unique opportunity to repurpose this historic site into a multi-purpose education, training, and cultural centre that both preserves heritage and provides modern learning opportunities. 3. Proposed Development 3.1 Education & Training Programmes • Early Childhood Development (ECD): High-quality preschool education to give children a strong foundation. • School Support: After-school tutoring, homework clubs, and literacy/numeracy programmes. • Vocational Skills Training: Agriculture, hospitality, tourism, arts, and crafts. • Entrepreneurship Programmes: Training in small business management, marketing, and financial literacy. • Digital Skills Development: Basic computer literacy, online learning access, and digital entrepreneurship. 3.2 Community Engagement and Cultural Preservation • Workshops: Basket weaving, traditional crafts, art exhibitions, music, and performance arts. • Local Talent Development: Performance space for up-and-coming artists (e.g., Friday/Saturday night events). • Cultural Events: Farmer’s markets, art fairs, wine and food festivals. 3.3 Sustainable Economic Initiatives To ensure long-term financial sustainability, the centre will generate income through: • Hospitality: Café/restaurant for locals and tourists. • Accommodation: Guest rooms for visitors and training participants. • Venue Hire: Weddings, conferences, exhibitions, and community events. • Tourism Packages: Linking the centre to the Cape Winelands tourism network. • Second-Hand Store: Providing for the needy while generating modest revenue. 4. Location and Facilities The Philadelphia Meul site is ideal for this initiative due to: • Historical and cultural significance. • Central location within the village. • Proximity to Cape Town, Malmesbury, Durbanville, and the Winelands. • Existing structures suitable for conversion into classrooms, workshops, and event spaces. 5. Sustainability and Impact The project is designed with triple-bottom-line sustainability: • Social: Providing education, training, and economic opportunities for all ages. • Economic: Generating revenue through tourism, hospitality, and events to reinvest into programmes. • Environmental: Incorporating green building practices, local sourcing, and sustainable agriculture training. Projected Impact within 5 Years: • 300+ community members trained annually. • Youth unemployment reduced by at least 20%. • Increased local tourism and small business activity. • Revitalisation of a historically significant property. 6. Partnerships and Stakeholders • Local Government: City of Cape Town, Western Cape Education Department. • Educational Institutions: TVET colleges, universities, training providers. • Tourism & Hospitality Networks: Cape Winelands tourism board, local businesses. • Nonprofits & NGOs: Partner organisations specialising in education, youth development, and rural upliftment. 7. Budget & Funding A detailed feasibility study will outline capital and operational costs. Funding sources may include: • Grants from government and international donors. • Corporate social investment (CSI) partnerships. • Revenue from hospitality, events, and training services. 8. Conclusion This proposal is not just about building a school—it’s about building a future. By combining education, skills development, cultural preservation, and sustainable economic activities, we can ensure that Philadelphia becomes a model for rural community empowerment in South Africa. We invite stakeholders, funders, and partners to join us in making this vision a reality. Together, we can ensure that from the Winelands to the world, the people of Philadelphia are prepared, empowered, and connected.