GALLERY: Vuleka SSB High School is formally blessed
BORDEAUX – The Vuleka High School group celebrate a milestone in the school's history.
Vuleka SSB High School has had a long journey since its formation in 1993 by Anne Nettleton and Sonja Vanderleur. The two were inspired to help curb the inequalities that existed in the education system offered by State schools.
In 1999 SSB opened a Matric centre in Bordeaux that enabled Matric pupils who failed, to re-write Matric. By 2003 SSB High School merged with the Vuleka High School group.
All the pupils attended the same school in Bordeaux. Vuleka SSB High School held its official opening and blessing by Reverend Steve Moreo, Bishop of the Diocese of Johannesburg, of the school on 28 August.
Headmistress Lizbé Pieters welcomed everyone in attendance before introducing the next speaker.
Managing director of Vuleka Schools Mealanie Sharland told donors, parents and pupils in attendance that the official opening of the school was a milestone. “Vuleka is a space we can finally call our own for the first time and be proud of,” she said.
During her speech, she also said that their goal was to create a home for students in a safe, secure environment in terms of not feeling judged and being in a space to dream freely. The school classrooms have their own teachers. There are new science labs, a library and a hall that previously did not exist.
Head prefect at the school Charitry Khumalo (18) described the opening of the school as a positive chapter. Deputy head boy Thabang Rakgotho (18), who has been a pupil since 2011 said, “Since the school has been combined it is refreshing to have closer interaction with our teachers.”
Rev Moreo held a communion service in the school hall and gave words of encouragement to the pupils and staff members about the symbol of this day. He blessed the attendees, the pupils and the school’s premises.
