Soroptomists assist in the fight for better education
Not only does the school not have a functioning library, but only one male and one female toilet remains in working order.
LAKEHAVEN Secondary School in Sea Cow Lake is in dire straits. The government-funded institution, which caters for 753 pupils from disadvantaged communities (such as KwaMashu and Ntuzuma) is struggling to make ends meet.
Not only does the school not have a functioning library, but only one male and one female toilet remains in working order. Sections of the building have also begun to deteriorate due to weathering and a termite infestation. While there are books available within a small room, the literature is outdated, some dating back to the 1970s.
“The children are hungry for knowledge and reading material. Every one of the subjects within the curriculum requires the pupils to do research, but how can they complete their assignments with old books?” asked one of the teachers at the school, Mogi Isaac.
The school recently approached the Soroptimist International Durban Club (SIDC), chaired by uMhlanga resident, Yatisha Ramdarie. Several club members recently visited the school to determine how they could assist.
According to Yuvati Shah, one of the SIDC members, the school receives very little income from school fees as many of the children come from low-income homes. Additionally, the funds that the school receives from the government are meagre – the school has received a ‘high-quintile’ rating, mainly due to the fact that the school has tar roads.
For almost two decades, all South African public schools have been divided into five categories, called ‘quintiles’, largely for the purposes of allocation of financial resources. Quintile one represents the ‘poorest’ schools, while quintile five encompasses the ‘least poor’ schools. Lakehaven Secondary School has been identified as a quintile five school.
According Isaac, 50 of the children come from child-headed homes. “Our teachers often help the pupils from their own pockets, as so many of them arrive at school without lunch,” added the principal, Azad Khan.
Following the meeting two weeks ago, SIDC members have offered to help the pupils at the school by revamping the old research centre into a proper library.
“We realise that there are many schools that face similar circumstances, but to come across a school in our backyard which faces such hardship has motivated us to step up and assist. We urge any company, organisation or individual who wishes to assist to step forward,” said Ramdarie.
Book donations would be most appreciated, she added. Soroptimist International is a worldwide women-based organisation, chartered on 17 April 1964. The club strives to support humanitarian efforts for those in need and to advance human rights and the status of women. Contact Yatisha Ramdarie on 083 542 7722.
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