The Kingsway School and Centre of Concern could be shutting its doors soon due to lack of funding.
The school operates as a non-profit organisation and relies heavily on funding from the community to help support its 253 children and 20 employees. Currently, the school functions at primary school level and only has one class per grade.
Lara Lotter, who has been part of the Kingsway family for the past four years, said, “The school relies on a subsidy from the government as well as the generous donations from the community at large to keep the school going.
“Donations are very low and the current funding budget has not been met. This is the reason why we are appealing for any support we can get. Without funding, no education can continue.”
According to Lotter, the school has a monthly budget of R180 000, which includes the government subsidy. This budget includes paying staff, supplying food and stationery and paying for municipal charges.
The independent school was established just over 30 years ago and is situated on the property of the Honeyridge Baptist Church. Lotter said, “Kingsway started in Weltevreden Park, when a lady saw children running around in the street during school time in 1986.
She took them in and started tutoring them. Our roots were planted at the church grounds almost 15 years ago.
“Most children come to our school from Zandspruit and are from very disadvantaged backgrounds.”
The biggest drive in fundraising for the school so far has come from Parktown Boys’ High School and their initiative House of Lions. Samsung Social Star Competition winner, Dennis Ngango said,
“My team, alongside Parktown Boys’, have decided to start a funding and donations campaign to raise R120 000 for the school this Mandela month. Kingsway is also in need of immediate needs such as food, stationary as well as vehicle repairs.”
Lotter added, “I would like to give a big word of thanks Parktown Boys’ and Dennis Ngango for raising awareness about our and our children’s situation.”
Details: Lara Lotter support@kingsway.org.za; 076 902 5515.
