More Than a Place to Stay:
How Kruger Park Hostel Supports Education Through the Thula School Project
At Kruger Park Hostel, being part of the community means more than welcoming guests from around the world — it means giving back to the place we call home.
Based in Marloth Park, we live and work alongside the community every day. We believe tourism can be a force for good, and that small, meaningful actions can make a real difference. This belief is what led us to partner with Thula Primary School and start the Thula School Project.
Why Education Matters
In rural communities, schools play a vital role far beyond the classroom. They are places where children learn, grow, and build confidence for the future. A welcoming, well‑cared‑for learning environment helps children feel proud, focused, and motivated.
Supporting education is not just a kind gesture — it’s an investment in the future of the community. That’s why education support has become an important part of how we give back.
The Thula School Project
The Thula School Project is a partnership between Kruger Park Hostel and Thula Primary School, focused on improving learning spaces while creating positive, memorable experiences for learners.
Thula Primary School has 24 classrooms, and our approach is simple and sustainable: one classroom at a time.
What Happens During a Classroom Project
- One classroom is carefully repainted using high‑quality, child‑safe, washable paint
- Learners from that classroom are involved throughout the process
- During breaks, we play music, dance, and interact with the children
- We donate sports equipment to encourage play and teamwork
- Some guests visit classrooms to share where they’re from and answer questions
- When the classroom is finished, learners add their handprints to the wall
These handprints form a permanent mural called “OUR HELPING HANDS” — a reminder that this classroom belongs to the children who learn there every day.
How the Project Is Run
Care, safety, and respect are at the heart of everything we do.
- Volunteer groups are small and always supervised
- Kruger Park Hostel coordinates and funds the project
- All work is done in close cooperation with school leadership
- We use premium, water‑based, non‑toxic paint that is safe for children
- Classroom colours are chosen to brighten spaces and create a calm learning environment
We’re also encouraged by growing interest from partners like Rotary Bracebridge in Canada, who have expressed interest in supporting the project.
The Impact
For Learners
- Bright, welcoming classrooms
- A sense of pride and ownership
- Positive interactions with people from around the world
- The dignity of learning in a freshly painted space
For the Community
- Stronger connections between local schools and businesses
- A positive example of private–community collaboration
- Respectful engagement from international volunteers and guests
Volunteers from Worldpackers.com and hostel guests engage with the school in a way that is respectful, joyful, and genuinely human.
What This Means to Us
The Thula School Project reflects who we are as Kruger Park Hostel. We don’t see ourselves as separate from the community — we’re part of it.
Responsible tourism, for us, means giving back in practical ways, supporting education, and helping create opportunities for the next generation.
Looking Ahead
This is not a once‑off project. It’s a long‑term commitment.
- Worldpackers will send five volunteer groups in 2026 and seven more in 2028
- We remain committed to supporting Thula Primary School
- The project continues one classroom at a time
- We welcome collaboration with like‑minded partners
When visitors choose to stay with us, they become part of something bigger — a community that believes education is everyone’s responsibility.
