EMPANGENI Pre-Primary school has been a haven and the bedrock of education for thousands of children in its 34 years of existence, but the old dame is now urgently in need of more than just a facelift, to weather the storms for the generations to come.
Newly appointed principal, Liesl Hastings, is a veteran teacher with a passion for delivering quality education in a safe, child-friendly environment, but the economic climate in the country and budget cuts on all levels, are challenging for government subsidised education facilities, to say the least.
Liesl was appointed in February and immediately knuckled down to do minor maintenance at no cost to the school, such as replacement of toilet seats, plumbing and minor repairs, but this is but a drop in the bucket.
The playground equipment needs replacement, which can be included as a capital project budgeted for in a year, at R45 000 plus installation.
‘The equipment can be repaired so the area is at least not dangerous, but ultimately it will need to be replaced.
‘I was also dismayed to notice the structural damage to the building.
‘Engineers have inspected the area and given us a report and we’ve also received a quotation based on the report.’
‘Unfortunately it is above our means.
‘Our community school is seen as an Independent School by the Department of Education and they thus cover only my salary.
‘Our school fees cover day to day maintenance and operational costs, but unfortunately there’s not much left over.
Our school has been around for more than three decades and is very popular and representative of the entire community.
‘It was originally started as an Afrikaans pre-school but the profile has since totally changed.’
‘I know we are all feeling the economic crunch, but we are appealing to the community to assist in any way possible, in the interest of the children.’
The school will also be hosting a cheese and wine within the next month to introduce possible sponsors to the staff and school governing body.
Anybody able to help the school with donations, labour or any other contributions, can contact Liesl Hastings on 082 9245347 for further information.
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