Durban: Recently Grade 4 learners from Athlone Primary School who are participating in the Woolworths Making The Difference programme, visited Blue Chip Trading as part of the experiential component of the programme. During their visit to Blue Chip, Athlone Primary learners got the chance to see how one of their favourites, a packet of chips, is actually made. They started off with learning about how quality potatoes are selected. Learners then followed the production line that included washing, peeling, inspecting, cutting and slicing. They learnt about the affects of starches and sugars on a quality end-product, and saw how the chips are cooked in less than three minutes in 180° C oil. Further inspections highlighted the importance of quality assurance. They then continued to follow the chips through the flavouring system and onto scales that weighed out different pack sizes. What was impressive was the sheer scale of the operation – Blue Chip Trading process about 30 tonnes of potatoes a day to make six to seven tonnes of tasty chips. “Supplier visits are a wonderful opportunity to show learners how many of the products they take for granted are actually made. Instead of just learning about the various processes in class, they have an opportunity to experience first hand different industries”, says Penny Luthi, Making The Difference Brand Manager at Woolworths. “Learners are also introduced to new career opportunities that they have not considered before.” ENDS Notes to the Editor ‘Making The Difference’ programme – an innovative educational initiative. •Making The Difference’ focuses on sharing Woolworths’ extensive knowledge around good food and nutrition. •The programme is designed for Grade 4 learners and targets their educators and parents. •Each participating school receives a teacher’s resource pack with nine learning modules covering health, nutrition, the importance of physical activity, water education, sustainability and permaculture. •In addition to the resource packs, there is an experiential learning component to complement the ‘Making The Difference’ programme. This component includes outings for the learners to Woolworths stores and suppliers, and incorporates the Woolworths Trust EduPlant 2008 programme. •For parents there is a series of 45 parent talks aimed at offering assistance and advice on their children’s health, nutrition and physical well-being. MySchool Programme – Shop and raise money for Schools •The MySchool programme encourages supporters to raise funds for schools.