Recently Grade 4 learners from Laerskool Dr Havinga, who are participating in the Woolworths Making The Difference programme, visited the Woolworths Distribution Centre in Midrand, Gauteng. This visit formed part of the experiential component of the programme. During their visit to the DC learners were exposed to the full operational process. This included the receiving of goods directly from suppliers, quality management of the process, picking of goods for the stores and the trunking process from DC to DC. Special emphasis was placed on quality management, timeous deliveries, accuracy and customer care, to show learners how all the different links fit together, to ensure that stores receive goods in perfect condition. “Most learners who visit the Distribution Centre have never had the opportunity to find out how such a centre works and is run behind the scenes”, says Penny Luthi, Making The Difference Brand Manager at Woolworths. “These visits provide learners with the opportunity to apply what they have been taught in class. ‘Making The Difference’ focuses on nutrition, health and physical wellbeing and the visit reflects these focus points.” 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. •Consumers throughout the country who carry MySchool and Woolworths World of Difference cards can earn additional funds for their chosen schools by simply swiping their card at the tills each time they buy at any Woolworths store in South Africa. •Woolworths World of Difference card holders are automatically invited to participate in MySchool. •Cardholders can support any school of their choice and do not have to have children at school in order to participate. •Woolworths through the MySchool programme to date has contributed more than R50 million to participating schools. •In October 2007 MyPlanet / MyVillage was introduced, this an extension of the MySchool programme, enabling customers to raise funds for selected charities & environmental organisations. •As an added bonus Woolworths World of Difference card holders are entered into a monthly lucky draw via each item that they have purchased. The monthly winner receives R10 000-00 credit on their World of Difference card and another R10 000-00 for their nominated school. •All South Africans are encouraged to participate in the MySchool programme by getting a brochure from the nearest Woolworths outlet or contacting MySchool on 0860-100 445.