“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
The brand new, state-of-the-art, R64-million school in Kraaifontein is making excellent progress and is nearing completion. The Kraaifontein High school will accommodate 1 110 Grade 8-12 learners and 38 teaching, and support staff.
Minister of Transport and Public Works, Donald Grant said, “This R64 million Kraaifontein High School project included extensive construction work which made use of conventional building materials and methods that remain the most economical, durable, and low-maintenance system of building. The project also brought with it some noteworthy empowerment opportunities for the benefit of targeted enterprises and local labourers.”
Building bean in May 2017 and is expected to be completed by August 2018, if all goes according to plan.
The community has already taken ownership of the school, which has aided in the project progressing smoothly and on schedule.
Provincial Minister of Education, Debbie Schäfer, said it is important for communities to take ownership of the schools in their area and realise that they have an important role to play in protecting their community’s assets.
“I am also, however, informed that the new school is situated between two alleged rival gang areas. I appeal to the entire community to join forces to protect our learners and the school and in doing so, protect the education of our children and their futures. I really hope that this new school will be an institution of quality teaching and learning, where learners and teachers are safe and secure”, said Schäfer.
The building has incorporated water saving features which include the installation of borehole facilities and a tank farm, water-wise sanitary fittings and a water-restrictor on the water main line.
The school will boast the following features:
15 Senior Classrooms
15 Junior Classrooms
1 Chemistry Lab
1 Biology Lab
1 Computer Room
2 Multi-Purpose Classroom
1 Multi Media Centre
6 Senior Management Offices
1 Counselling Room
2 Sick Rooms
1 Secretary Office
1 Staff Room with Kitchen
1 Hall with kitchen, store room and ablution facilities
1 Caretaker Store Room
The Western Cape Education Department has spent over R1.2-billion on building and refurbishing school infrastructure across the province in the current financial year. The projects were successfully implemented by the Department of Transport and Public Works. This Kraaifontein High School project is just one of them.
The opening of this state-of-the-art school in Kraaifontein will without a doubt become a centre of teaching, learning, and opportunity for the many who will walk through these doors.
Pictures: Facebook