KwaZulu-Natal/Durban, Cato Ridge: Recently Grade Four learners from Palmcroft Primary, who are participating in Woolworths’ ‘Making The Difference Educational Programme Targeting Grade Four Learners’, visited Blue Chip Trading as part of the experiential component of the programme. During their visit to Blue Chip, Palmcroft 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 Pieter Twine, Woolworths General Manager: Making The Difference educational programmes. “Learners are also introduced to new career opportunities that they have not considered before.” Since the inception of the Woolworths ‘Making The Difference Educational Programme Targeting Grade Four Learners’ in 2006, 5,314 supplier visits have taken place across KwaZulu-Natal. Nationally, the programme has undertaken more than 14,300 suppliers’ farm or factory visits and has coordinated 5,345 Woolworths distribution centre visits, 15,217 store outings and more than 17,296 parent talks in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the Western Cape. ENDS Notes to the Editor ‘Making The Difference Educational Programme Targeting Grade Four Learners’ – an innovative educational initiative •‘Making The Difference Educational Programme Targeting Grade Four Learners’ focuses on sharing Woolworths’ extensive knowledge around good food and nutrition. •The programme is designed for Grade Four 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 Educational Programme Targeting Grade Four Learners. 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.