The Backpack

It is amazing the way that the universe works. Here we are in Cape Town with 31 remarkable pupils and 7 fantastic staff taking park in the first visit to Welcome Primary School in a link that I am absolutely convinced will have a huge impact in both Scotland and South Africa. The fact that we are here is in no small part due to the owners of the wonderful boutique Backpackers that we are lucky enough to be staying at.

Toni and Lee passionately believe in social responsibly and have used the Backpack to make real difference by donating huge amounts of money and their time to many community based projects in and around Cape Town. When I was trying to start a link to South Africa in my previous school Larbert High a chance discussion with the minister at my wedding in Cape Town eventually led to me being given their contact details. The support and guidance they gave as I inundated them with hundreds of questions and requests for help was integral to in finding Mario and GCU. This gave Balwearie the blueprint to successfully link with Welcome Primary. They continue to support and help the link today with Balwearie and I will always be hugely great fun for the help they have given me.

Picture Lee on the far left with the first Larbert High School group

The Backpack (www.backpackers.co.za) is located looking up at Table Mountain and the pupils have loved staying at this fantastic location. The staff are simply amazing and if you are ever fortunate enought to find yourself in Cape Town there is no better place to stay.

I look forward to long and enjoyable partnership between Toni, Lee & The Backpack and Balwearie High School

Mr McGuckin