simple innovation brings stunning solutions
a kommunity desk story

Learning to write – especially for young school children – is a challenge in itself. Having to write from your lap or sharing a desk presents bigger challenges for many rural school children.

To solve this problem in early 2005, Shane Immelman developed and launched the Kommunity Desk. The semi-circular lap desk enables learners in under-resourced schools to be able to write more easily.

Shane is a social entrepreneur and social justice advocate with an interest in low-tech, disruptive technology innovation and application in addressing mass market lifestyle challenges.

Before the launch of the Kommunity Desk, Kommunity Foundation’s research revealed that more than 4.2 million school learners in South Africa had no access to a desk, and to date, Kommunity Foundation has distributed more than 1.9 million desks both in South Africa, and across the continent.

In Mpumalanga, two primary schools that have received these desks report improvement in learners’ writing and confidence. Mhlahle Primary School, located in one of the last villages near Skukuza, has seen a tremendous learning experience as a result of the desks, says principal Isaac Mhlaba.

“It was difficult, especially for young learners, to write on their laps. As a result of the desks, the learners’ handwriting and confidence levels have improved. Moreover, the desks are good for their health and posture,” says Isaac. Previously, learners had to share a desk, and while this works for group work, it was not ideal for individual work.

Isaac says the desks also come with educational information on the different kinds of foods and their nutrients, so pupils don’t only benefit from the functionality of the desks, but they are a learning resource too.

At Plaatjie Primary School, principal Bernard Mashego says their desks were delivered in June 2021. Teachers’ lives are now a lot easier, as they can monitor their students’ progress in class.

“Learners’ handwriting and confidence levels have improved tremendously. Generally, they are excited to come to school and actively participate in class and group work,” says Isaac, adding that the desks are good quality, very convenient and like Isaac, he says they have helped pupils with both their schoolwork and their posture.

Bernard says they are grateful to Kommunity Foundation for providing the school with much-needed learning resources and tools. The school now boasts eager learners and happy parents, and this bodes well for their overall learning experience.