Diepsloot Combined School is receiving a brand-new multipurpose building thanks to a generous donation from the Rotary Club of Sandton.
The Rotary Club of Sandton is made up of 22 members who volunteer their time and skills to help those in need. Diepsloot Combined School serves over 2 000 learners and was in dire need of a sickbay, admin offices and a room where children can be provided with additional educational support.
Thanks to a partnership with the Rotary Club of Swindon, the clubs have been able to build the facility to help improve the lives of teachers and children at the school. Edu Fun SA, a non-profit organisation based at the school, provides English literacy lessons to learners in grades 2 and 3. They also provide health checks and provide support for learners moving to tertiary education.
Brian Humphries, an active member of the club, said that through their active networking, they are able to get a variety of people on board to help support the project. He added that as they are so hands-on, they can ensure that the stretch every cent they receive to make it as meaningful a donation as possible.
Annemarie Hill, another member of the club, said, “The school does have a hall but because of the shortage of space it’s also used as a staff room and admin offices so one of the requests was to have admin offices.”
Hill added that they often choose to work with established organisations such as Edu Fun SA. Through these organisations, they are informed of a need in the area and can see the good work being done on a consistent basis.
David Haddon, the incoming president for the club, said, “It really validates why you’re a Rotarian when you go out and see how people are struggling. You meet the most incredible people and you realise there people out there that are saints.”
Jenny Taylor, the chairperson for Edu Fun SA, said, “All these partner projects are run by volunteers and we end up using our cars and homes to store everything and the huge plus about the building is that we will now have a ‘home’ to house all of these activities on site.”
Taylor said that three years ago there were only 100 children in Grade 2 but the classes have continued to grow. This year, there are over 200 children in Grade 2 who are accommodated in three classrooms. “We’re excited to be able to use the classroom in the hub to be able to work with small groups when we’re on-site.”
For more information or to contact The Rotary Club of Sandton, visit their website www.sandtonrotary.org or follow them on Facebook.
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