Principal pens transformative new chapter for Gillitts school
From humble beginnings, Gillitts Primary School has transformed into a place of learning excellence in eight years.
THROUGH sheer determination, resilience and a love for her learners, Gillitts Primary School’s principal, Arti Jadoo, has sourced approximately R3-million worth of funding in eight years to completely remake a school that was once declared ‘dysfunctional’.
“The school has come a long way since 2010, from being declared dysfunctional to a school that has been transformed into a school of academic excellence,” said Jadoo.
“From a school that once did not have a fence around it and toilets with maggots in them, to a school with sophisticated security cameras and beautiful new ablution facilities.”
That learners leave home as early as 5am, brave the carnage on the roads and pass several other schools along the way, bears testimony to the school’s excellent reputation.
The staff and learners were ecstatic to return this year to a beautifully painted school, both inside and out, and stunning state-of-the-art ablution facilities.
The value of the ablution block project was just shy of R500 000 and was funded primarily by the Rotary Clubs of Hillcrest and Kloof locally, the Rotary Club of Winnipeg (Canada) and the Rotary Foundation. Hillcrest Bakkie Hire and Stokers Arms restaurant donated the initial seed funding of R15 000.
Jadoo expressed her heartfelt thanks to the sponsors over the years and the current project.
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“Thank you to Innovative Methology for working tirelessly during the holidays to ensure the school is conducive to teaching and learning,” said Jadoo. She felt blessed that her vision for the school was being fulfilled.
Rob Campbell, past president of the Rotary Club of Hillcrest for 2017/8, said the club had a long-standing relationship with Gillitts Primary School and completed a number of projects at the school these past few years.
“This relationship has been driven primarily by the dedication and commitment of the staff at the school led by Arti Jadoo, who has canvassed extensively to improve and add facilities for the benefit of its learners,” said Campbell.
The latest Rotary project is the new ablution facility for the boys and also a toilet for the disabled.
“The intention is to also upgrade and convert the old boys’ ablution for the girls – thereby doubling their ablution facilities,” he said. “We trust that our long standing relationship with Gillitts Primary School will continue and lead to many more successful ventures going forward.”
Gillitts Primary’s next chapter:
The future project is to build a Grade R block and a school hall. Companies or individuals wanting to adopt the school as their social responsibility, can contact Arti Jadoo on 031 767 3690.
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