School revamp rebuilds bonds
FIFTEEN months on from the start of its revamp process Dirkie Uys Primary School has come a long way, not only rebuilding the school, but the relationship between the parents and the staff.
The dilapidated school hall has had its roof and ceiling repaired, the walls painted and a new light and sound system installed.
On Monday, 2 September, the Department of Education began repairs on the C-block of the school. The ceilings have been removed and will be replaced and the entire wing will be refurbished to allow for improved learning spaces for the pupils.
Through donations from local companies and residents, the school was able to overhaul toilets; fix gutters, set up an eco-garden; pave the driveway and paint the exterior walls. A feeding scheme, which was started in February, is still going strong and about 80 children are provided with food daily, allowing them to focus on their schoolwork. Once the eco-garden starts producing vegetables, these will be used in the feeding scheme and the excess will be sold to raise more money for the school.
June Haupt, chairman of the school’s governing body, said they had come along way, but still had far to go. “I am proud of what we have achieved so far, but we can and will do so much more. We need to put up stronger fencing around the school, which is currently used as a short cut by local people. We also have plans to expand the play area for the younger children and to put up security cameras. The best thing to come out of this process however is not the physical improvement, but the sense of pride the pupils and staff now have and the improved relationships between staff and parents.”
To help the school achieve its goals by donating, contact June on 074-153-3919.
– erinh@dbn.caxton.co.za
