Twelve months ago, the children at Ferndale Primary School in Morgan Bay in the Eastern Cape were struggling with no running water, pit latrines and a collapsing school roof.
Fast forward 10 months and thanks to the support and commitment from Investec, Growthpoint, The Investec Great Kei Trek and The Leverage Corporation, the school is slowly transforming and becoming a beacon of hope for the community.
The generous contributions, which are being run through the Bridge-It Foundation, are being used to slowly upgrade facilities, including the school’s aging and unsafe roof, which has been replaced, the school has been fenced, bricked toilet facilities have been created and critical plumbing and toilet facilities have been installed.
These improvements guarantee a clean, hygienic and conducive learning environment.
Rob Jackson founder of the Investec Great Kei Trek and co-ordinator of the project extended his special thanks to Splashworks for the sanitation upgrades and to Afrika Tanks who have ensured a reliable water supply for the toilets.
“Our next step is securing paint so we can repaint the classrooms. None of this could have been accomplished without the support of Growthpoint Properties and Investec,” he said.
The project has also created much-needed employment opportunities in the area for local contractors.
This is the second project the team has been involved in. In 2022, more than R150,000 was raised and pledged to the Ixgara creche in the Morgan Bay township.
“Once we have finished with our current project, we will be identifying further schools, community centres, and sporting facilities in the area that we would like to improve.
“It takes time, dedication, and the support of sponsors, donors, and concerned individuals to make this happen and we welcome any other corporates or individuals who would like to pledge either their time, supplies or make a financial contribution.”
All these projects also need ongoing maintenance.
The Ferndale school, for example is now on a septic system and urgently needs donations of toilet paper and cleaning agents to ensure the long-term cleanliness and functionality of their facilities.
“SaveMor in Kei Mouth has generously set up a donation basket, making it easy for community members to contribute.
“For those willing to make an even greater impact, donations of cleaning materials such as brooms, buckets, and cloths are also welcomed.
“Every contribution, no matter how small, plays a vital role,” Jackson said.
Any local residents who would like to visit the school are welcome to co-ordinate a visit by making an appointment with the foundation.
