A PROJECT to help uplift a school and the surrounding community in Mount Royal has taken off. Last month learners and staff of Northwood School began a project to give back to the Mount Royal Combined School and impoverished members of the community which saw a donation more than 850 hampers to the community.
The collection and donation was initiated by Northwood principal, Paul Viljoen, who turned the donations into a long term initiative called the Hope Project. The project has also been supported by Rivers Church.
“We decided to call our initiative the Hope Project because it provides hope to those who need it most during these difficult times. Hope for a better future, for a more united country, for equality and for a brighter tomorrow. We took on a number of projects which included the painting of the school library and upgrading the space with the addition of donated computers,” he explained.
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Learners, staff and volunteers also painted all the Grade 7 classrooms at the school, replaced broken windows and erected a new sign to the entrance of the school.
“We’ve also repaired and replaced the ceilings around the school and installed new light fittings. A touching mural to honour Tata Madiba was painted on the outside of the library, which faces a street in the community, symbolising hope. We also donated clothes and 300 beanies and scarves which will be distributed to learners and the community to keep them warm during winter,” he said.
Viljoen said he has been blown away by the support from everyone involved in the upliftment project.
“We are incredibly fortunate in all that we have – the Covid-19 crisis once again highlights this and as a result it focuses on the importance of paying it forward. We absolutely have to support those who are not as fortunate. The Durban North schools have also come on board and they all do their part. We are proud to be part of this group of schools.
“The success of the project is due to the tireless efforts and generosity of our boys, staff, old boys, parents, churches, community members, corporates and local businesses. We could not be prouder. It does also highlight how inherently good people are – when called upon for support, big or small, everyone was and is more than willing to support. It is what makes our community special,” he said.
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