Most people retire to a small town by the sea to tend their gardens and walk the dog. But for Theo and Angie Krynauw, a move to Hermanus last February turned into the most thrilling and fulfilling year of their lives.
For the 1,200 pupils of Quayiya Secondary School in Zwelihle, meeting the Krynauws has been equally life-changing. Now, thanks to the donation of a car by direct insurer MiWay, the couple’s reach is even greater.
Quayiya is the only high school serving the 35 000-strong community of Zwelihle, the part of Hermanus most tourists never see.
“The school had been classed as dysfunctional,” recalls Theo Krynauw. Only one in three pupils passed their matric exams in 2010. “We felt inspired to connect our lives to the children of this school. We wanted to wake their sense of self-worth and the realization that they have resources within themselves that far outweigh the hopelessness of their situation.”
Krynauw began addressing the school assembly every week, and he and Angela took groups of ten pupils at a time on outings that helped to expand their view of the world. “We take them on nature walks and to places like art galleries, holistic farms and radio stations,” says Krynauw. “We also have two children at a time sleep over at our house, which is where we really got to know about their hopes, dreams and aspirations, as well as the poverty and abuse suffered in many cases.”
Finding ways to meet the children’s practical needs came next, with the Krynauws visiting many doctors to try and get them to give of their services one hour per month pro bono.
The Krynauw’s contribution, and the way the community of Hermanus has mobilized to support them, soon attracted the attention of direct insurer MiWay, which has decided to donate a car so the Krynauws can more easily transport pupils to their outing and appointments. The company is also contributing financially to medical costs.
“We applaud the tenacity and dedication of Theo and Angie, who got involved in this project on their own accord and within their own budget constraints,” say MiWay’s Carine Conradie-Haffejee. “Giving them a car means they will be able to help more children, more quickly. We also hope that driving the branded car around will make them more visible and encourage others to get involved in their amazing project.”
The results have already become evident. “The pass rate for 2011 moved up from 32% to 66%,” says Theo Krynauw. “The school’s Head master Mr Lolwana and his team did a wonderful job over the last year, and we are so proud to be a part of it and to have made a meaningful contribution to the school over the last year. Many of the children have become such good friends and we are linked to their lives for years to come.”
About MiWay
MiWay offers a range of financial products and services direct to the consumer. MiWay’s offering includes short-term motor and household insurance, motor warranties and credit life. The company’s long-term plan is to extend this to offerings such as investments, personal loans and possibly credit cards. MiWay will ultimately offer a complete array of services under one convenient umbrella, directly contracted with the client and all managed online.
For more information about MiWay, their offerings or to get an expert opinion on insurance related topics, please contact Carine Conradie-Haffejee directly. MiWay experts are available for interview on topics ranging from claims handling to insurance rates and premiums or general insurance insights.
René Otto, the CEO of MiWay, is a seasoned business personality and expert on most topics related to direct or broker-based insurance.
