An Umnini school is eagerly awaiting the delivery of sponsored equipment from Germany which will equip its woodwork and mechanical engineering workshop.
“The equipment consists of three lathes for turning, a power saw, drill press, a car engine to be used for demonstrations, scanners, laptops, tables and chairs which will be used by our technical department at the school,” said Esizibeni Sivananda Comprehension School principal, Sipho Gumbi.
“The equipment was donated by BST to Esizibeni. Bremerhaven Rotary Club was the catalyst for the whole relationship from its inception to date. Mr Frost, the Bremerhaven mayor was involved in nurturing this relationship. Mr Frost and the Bremerhaven Rotary Club played an integral part in transporting the machinery from Bremerhaven to Durban, South Africa.”
The equipment will be housed in a workshop on the school’s property which was built in 2010 at a cost of R4-million and opened by MEC for Education, Senzo Mchunu in 2011 in collaboration with the German, Norwegian and Amanzimtoti rotary clubs.
The Umnini school partners with a Bremerhaven school, Schule Am Leher Markt. The partnership grew out of a visit between the German Lutheran Church and South African Lutheran Church, of which Gumbi is a member of the Durban diocese.
As part of Rotary International’s Foundation programme, Rotarians in Germany decided to sponsor Esizibeni and established an exchange partnership programme. Exchange visits between the teachers and pupils of the two schools happen every year and follow a mutually agreed pattern to benefit both countries in terms of youth development.
“During a visit from the Germans last year, they saw a need to uplift our community,” said Gumbi. “Besides our pupils using this equipment, we will also hold three-month courses for members of the community to learn a skill. After three months, they will receive a certificate and they can open their own business.”
With a high unemployment rate in the area, this will hopefully go a long way to develop and arm community members with much-needed skills.
The equipment arrived at the school on Wednesday, 16 May, but unfortunately it was too heavy to offload with a forklift. “They will now deliver the equipment in stages,” said Gumbi. “We hope to have it all up and running to start classes in June. If not, we will begin early next year. Once the equipment is set up, German technical teachers will train our staff how to use it.”
The problem facing the school is the workshop is not big enough to accommodate the various subjects it offers. The all-purpose workshop currently houses woodwork, motor mechanics and welding, while civil and mecahnical practical exams have to be held there too.
“We need workshops desperately,” said Gumbi. “At the moment the situation is unworkable and dangerous for pupils. It is too cramped. If we can get more workshops set up, the community will benefit greatly.” If you can assist, contact Sipho Gumbi on 083-583-9278.
