SERVING the community of Brackenham for over 30 years, Brackenham Pre-Primary School now needs the community to come to its rescue and help with much needed repairs.
Principal Shamilla Haribans and teacher Sarah Naidoo have kept the school running at optimal level, however maintenance has suffered because of the lack of funding and community donations.
As one of the first schools in the suburb, their intake which averaged between 100-150 pupils in the past has dwindle to below 50 in recent years as more parents opt to enrol pupils in Grade R at the primary schools.
Owing to the decrease in numbers they have had to implement extreme cost cutting measures and do not have additional funds to maintain the upkeep of the building.
Haribans said one of her pupils, Shriven Naidoo launched an initiative to help raise funds to have the school’s roof and structure repaired.
‘The little boy had mentioned to his parents that it ‘rains’ inside the school and the lights were not working in some areas of the building.
‘We have leaks in different parts of the roof and have tried to have them fixed but we cannot keep up, the entire roof needs to be replaced.
‘Shriven’s parents immediately became involved and sponsored new lighting for the school building.
‘We are encouraging our business community, community members and all our former pupils to pay us a visit and identify areas where they can assist us.
‘We know that we are in tough financial times but if they can sponsor materials and the labour it would be highly appreciated too.
‘Our local minister, Pastor Shalin Govinden has sponsored the school with some building materials but we need the manpower to execute the tasks.
‘If members of the community have a fund-raising idea, which they would like to present, they can visit us at the school or give us a call,’ said Haribans.
The school’s banking details are Brackenham Pre-Primary School Standard Bank 060322357, Branch code: 058030 and use the reference ‘Shriven Building Project’.
The school’s contact number is 035 7981678.
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