BY: Nothando Mthembu
THE flame of hope through education has been reignited, after five schools which were damaged in the 2017 storms received a much-needed helping hand towards the restoration of conducive learning environments.
Engen Refinery donated R1 million to effect repairs critical to the safety, comfort and security of pupils and teachers.
The repair projects, which started in April, have been completed and now render the schools ship-shape and ready for the 2019 academic year.
Principal of Collingwood Primary in Wentworth, Colin Chand said Engen turned their darkness into light after the school had to operate in dire conditions following the October 2017 storms. The damage forced the children and teachers into mobile units on the school fields. Without electricity, the school community struggled throughout the 2018 academic year in dark and extremely hot conditions.
“We expected a long process to rebuild the school because we know the government tender process is protracted. But now our 1,200 pupils are learning in the light again, and we can use our fans, so we are extremely relieved,” added Chand on the work Engen financed to electrify the mobile units. in KZN
READ: Remembering the 2017 October storm
All five affected schools had waited for months for assistance when Engen funded the start of the repairs in April. In addition to Collingwood Primary, Settlers Primary School, Rustomjee Primary School, Wentworth Primary School and Fairvale Secondary School were also assisted.
READ: Learning suspended as storm claims Wentworth classroom wall, ceiling
Among the repairs effected were the installation of new windows, ceilings and gutters, structural repair work, roof repairs, removal of damaged trees, and the erection of new perimeter fencing.
Principal of Fairvale Secondary in Wentworth, Dale Seidle was especially grateful to Engen for repairing their perimeter fencing, as the damage had posed a safety risk for pupils and a security risk for their facilities.
“We are a technical school and we have a lot of equipment and machinery on the premises, so it was an enormous relief to have the fence repaired and in place again,” he explained, adding that the many trees felled by the storm had also finally been removed from their grounds. “We are extremely appreciative of the company’s help, in the interests of offering the best possible education to our pupils in optimal conditions,” added Seidle.
Adhila Hamdulay, Engen’s corporate social investment manager, said it was heart-warming to learn what a big difference the donation had made to so many lives. “Engen takes our responsibility to the community surrounding our refinery very seriously. We also remain cognisant of the need to partner with government to assist where we can, so it seemed obvious for us to step up and help.
We always like to start by paying special attention to the people in the communities in which we operate, and to be able to help ensure these neighbouring schools are ship-shape for the start of the 2019 academic year is extremely heartening,” said Hamdulay.
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