The Hope School for children with disabilities in Westcliffe received a much-needed facelift this month when a team of helpers from African Bank got together to improve the learning and living environment for the children.
Bavani Reddy from African Bank Human Capital team said that following a recent career day at the school, the team was motivated to do something more. “We just felt that the children’s environment was mostly dull and colourless and could really do with a facelift.”
The project was a collaborative one, with African Bank painting the dorms for the 60 young girls and providing new bedding and curtaining, while Gift of the Givers donated 130 blankets, Digital Planet sponsored 50 memory sticks for the schoolchildren and Willchris Projects provided new light fittings.
“Seeing the expressions on the young girl’s faces was priceless,” added Reddy.
Commenting on the day, Hope School principal Michele Alexander, said that the school’s partnership with African Bank has firstly addressed a pivotal need for their differently abled children. The items provided, namely the gowns and the revamping of two dormitories, has restored their dignity and right to privacy.
“It also demonstrates that they are valued and worth investing in.
In addition, the donation of prizes for our top achievers in Grade R to Grade 12, has given recognition to our learners’ tenacity and outstanding work ethic in spite of their disabilities. By doing this, African Bank has validated our true heroes as they uphold our motto, resurgam (which is Latin for, I shall rise again) on a daily basis,” said Alexander.
The fun day endorsed the drive to acknowledge all the little ones and their individual strides towards excellence. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the entire African Bank team and volunteers, for persisting through unchartered waters to deliver a service of excellence and we hope this is the beginning of a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship,” added Alexander.
To finish off the project a festival fair was held for all the staff and children, with meals courtesy of donations from Debonairs and African Bank staffers and their friends and family.
You might also be interested reading: Disciplinary process at government schools
Add us on Whatsapp for the latest news by adding 079 4395 345 to your contact list and just send your name to us so we can save your number. Click here to find out more about our Whatsapp policy.
