Hawk Academy in Germiston was established out of the need for a more accessible school to the children of Marathon informal settlement.
“I was a teacher at Norwood Primary School where I received a good salary and benefits. I left because of this dream. I took my package to start Hawk Academy.
“My husband and children also contributed. We built the school as a family,” said principal Agnes Mkhonto.
Agnes and her husband, Sipho, are also pastors and came to Primrose to start a church in 2014.
“We realised there were numerous children attending Sunday school hungry. We later provided Sunday lunches.”
During conversations with the children, the couple realised several children do not attend school.
“The children said their schools were too far from home.”
Agnes and Sipho set out to open a school, which opened its doors on January 13, 2016.
“Initially, there was nothing here,” she told GCN pointing to the current classrooms.
“The community showed us a lot of support after hearing from the learners who attended the school. More parents started making inquiries and that was the beginning of our growth,” said Agnes.
The school has about 1 100 learners.
“After our opening, Abcon Group requested a site visit as they are the property owners of where the school is based. We did not know what to expect. They saw how much we still needed and Abcon Group adopted us right there and then.
“We were so amazed by the support Abcon gave us. The visit was the start of a long-term relationship with the Abcon Group Foundation,” said Agnes.
Kelly Maphuma, the marketing coordinator of Abcon, said they adopted the school to help improve its infrastructure.
“When we first went to Hawk Academy the infrastructure did not qualify for it to be a school. The foundation felt the need to improve the school, which would be of great benefit to the surrounding community. We wanted to help transform people’s lives and make sure the school grows to Grade 12,” said Kelly.
The foundation plans to provide adequate schooling infrastructure with efforts to transform lives.
“Once the school has grown, we want to offer school-leavers an opportunity to attend our skills development programme. Our foundation has a great relationship with the school.”
Agnes’ vision for the future includes a home for orphans, a clinic and a counselling centre at the school.
“I want to create an environment that will inspire children to dream big and see a better future for themselves. Learners who come to the school have difficult backgrounds and we are the only link to a better life.
“We are very involved with the community. Whatever we teach the children filters through to their parents. We have also had a workshop with parents and learners about personal hygiene, taking care of their surroundings and life choices,” said Agnes.
Covid-19, however, has had an impact on the school and the foundation’s plans for the school.
Kelly said some of their partners have pulled out due to the pandemic.
“We would like to partner or collaborate with other companies who are interested in helping the school grow.”
Interested parties can call the Abcon Group Foundation on 011 510 9721 or at info@abcongroupfoundation.org.za
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