The Eskom Development Foundation recently concluded a project aimed at making several improvements at Geelhoutboom VGK Primary School in Molensdrift, Western Cape. The school was in need of support for some upgrading to be done at the property and the Foundation came to their assistance.
Located in a deep rural area, Geelhoutboom Primary School was established in 1856 and has 112 learners from the disadvantaged farming community of Molendrift. With only four educators, the no-fee paying school approached Eskom, requesting for assistance with improvements at their school.
The project included damp treating in the classrooms, painting of interior and exterior walls and roof, repairing of toilets and lighting, replacing faulty IT server and water filters in water tanks as well as procuring of stationery and a lawnmower to maintain the lawns on the premises.
“The Eskom funding has positively impacted the day-to-day lives of the learners and personnel as they now have a much better environment for teaching and learning, with toilets in working order. The repaired lighting has also come in handy as they can now safely host their fundraising functions in the evenings. The new stationery stock has improved the quality of general schooling and the industrial lawnmower is keeping the playground lawns short and safe for the learners. “We are grateful for Eskom’s intervention,” says school principal Mr Jacobus October.
Eskom Development Foundation CEO, Cecil Ramonotsi, says this support forms part of the organisation’s commitment to bringing about meaningful and sustainable development within South Africa’s communities. “We also want to contribute towards helping create environments that are conducive for children to learn, thrive and receive the kind of education they need and deserve,” says Ramonotsi.
