May 20, 2025
For most students, engineering education lives in textbooks and simulations. But for the children from LEAP School 1 (Langa) and LEAP School 2 (Crossroads), it just came to life. In partnership with the Berman Brothers Group, the Hands On Foundation recently hosted a full-day educational tour across active BBG construction sites — giving students real exposure to the practical side of the built environment.
This was not just another school outing. It was an immersive learning experience. A moment where theory met reality. And it’s exactly why the Hands On Foundation exists.
We welcomed 30 students in total, with over half of them young women pursuing engineering. Students spent the day with BBG co-founder Saul Berman, who personally guided them through the foundations of the built world and multiple BBG developments.
“To be able to teach the children the practical and the theory at the same time is the most unbelievable experience for any child that wants to go into the industry.” — Saul Berman
Students were able to explore different stages of development by touring through multiple BBG sites:
Mont Reve, where bulk excavation and lateral support were completed
Dolce Vita, A completed structure where finishes, coatings, and defect resolution were underway
Station House, one of our latest completed developments
From seeing the way apartments are angled for privacy and ocean views, to understanding how air-conditioning ducts and sealing work on-site, the students were offered a hands-on education that very few high schoolers ever get to experience.
One of the most powerful parts of the visit was introducing the students to a project that will now become part of their school curriculum. Each student will receive the drawings and schematics, and follow the project’s progression throughout the year, both in theory and on-site.
“You can come on the journey with us and see this building being built… and how the building breathes and gets created.”
This approach allows students to connect with engineering on a deeper level — not just through structure and math, but through seeing the artistry, timing, and human effort that goes into every beam, bolt, and brick.
South Africa continues to face a critical shortage of skilled engineers, project managers, and tradespeople. The Hands On Foundation is working to change this by:
Initiatives like these empower young people to confidently pursue careers in engineering, architecture, and construction. These are industries that are essential to the nation’s growth.
Saul Berman is Co-founder of BBG and the Hands On Foundation, Saul has been building high-end developments in Cape Town for over 30 years. With a passion for both design and education, he believes every child should have the opportunity to find their strength whether academic, creative, or practical.
The Hands On Foundation was founded by BBG in 2024 and partners with schools and communities to bring back technical education. The Hands On Foundation began partnerships with LEAP Schools and are now rolling out to more communities across South Africa.
Learn more about the foundation’s mission in our original article:
👉 What Is the Hands On Foundation?
Education is not just about what happens in the classroom. It is about creating real experiences that inspire students to think bigger, aim higher, and take action. The Hands On Foundation, in partnership with BBG, is not just showing students what is possible. They are helping them build it one site, one project, one dream at a time.
