Hein's participation in the Nedbank Gravel Burn is not merely for accolades. While this achievement is partially rooted in showcasing the talent and skill of the visually impaired, his participation mainly aimed at raising funds for the Hein Wagner Academy - a specialised tertiary institution catering to the needs of the blind and visually impaired. 

The Hein Wagner Academy is the only institution in the world that offers internationally accredited cyber security training for the blind, with upskilling courses as well as TVET NQF4-6 Management qualifications as well. The Academy is the first of its kind in other respects: it offers full service residential facilities with 24/7 support and an accessible campus with recreational areas and mobility tools and digital devices. Students are encouraged to participate in sport, cultural pursuits and social activities. 

In a country where only 3% of the visually impaired are employed, the 70% successful placement rate for cyber security graduates speaks for itself. But such specialisation means higher operational costs than one would expect from a conventional campus which doesn't need to cater to special needs. We would like to offer learners a fully accessible campus in all respects - so our next project will focus on a fully-accessible communal kitchen which incorporates tools, devices, technologies and utensils which are all geared towards the blind. 

We need your help to make this dream a reality!