Laerskool Ruiterbos

Laerskool Ruiterbos

There is a long and beautiful pass connecting the southern Cape towns of Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn. It’s called Robinson’s Pass and it connects the world of lush coastline through mountain fynbos and proteas and finally into the semi-arid Karoo.

About 30km north of Mossel Bay is the tiny settlement of Ruiterbos. The aforementioned school is neat as a pin, with an unusually long history. It used to be the school where the local farmer’s children were sent, but these days many of the wealthier families send their children to board in Oudtshoorn and Mossel Bay. Ruiterbos Laerskool’s pupils come from a poorer catchment now, mostly from forestry workers’ families. The children are bright as buttons and they absolutely love their school. They do well, and there’s an emphasis on discipline, and wholesome values.

Despite its neatness and immaculately painted buildings, it is an underfunded government school. The classes are combined, with 2 grades in one room.