The Sinethemba Secondary School in Philippi has undergone a much needed facelift just in time for the reopening of schools.
A group of chartered accountants from a private bank called on the community to roll up their sleeves and join them to paint and fix classrooms, which were once in a poor condition. Principal Nelson Poopedi was delighted to see the transformation.
The school has a partnership with Investec called Pro Maths, which led to the sponsors coming to the school to help out.
Sinethemba was founded in 1994 and today accommodates 1500 pupils.
Mr Poopedi said the team fixed the broken desks and benches and painted more than 10 classrooms.
“It is a good thing when people give back to the communities. We appreciate what they do to this school. They do not only paint and fix desks, but are helping with the pupils’ education. They teach them maths on Saturdays. So you can see that they are truly dedicated to bringing about change in the township schools. These classes now provide an environment condusive to teaching and learning,”
Member of the Investec corporate social investment team, Corne Benson, said before the renovations the school buildings were neglected and the furniture was worn out with some missing.
She said as part of community development, they decided to spruce up the school. “The school has always been willing to do things for itself. The energy of the principal is another factor.
He is always here and there, knocking on every door for his school. He is a true dedicated head master. He is taking the lead in his school. The school is also taking a lead in its own affairs. We love that,” she said.
She also praised the school for being part of the Pro Maths Programme with them. One of the volunteers, Mzoli Tempi from Greenpoint in Khayelitsha said the day was great for him. Mr Tempi encouraged people to be part of their children’s education.
“These are our schools, they belong to us. Our children are here so we need to give help where it is needed. I am grateful to Investec for coming out this way and helping black children. I could not refuse the call to come and volunteer my time here,” he said.