In a dedicated effort to enhance and provide a conducive learning environment for learners of the SK Moseneke Primary School in Lotus Gardens, Pretoria, local communities and business owners joined forces and provided a significant upgrade to the school.
Established in 2006, the no-fee paying school, formerly known as the Lotus Garden Primary School, launched two state-of-the-art brick classrooms. It is currently prefabricated and it is now transitioning into a brick school.
The donors, Encha Group, Supreme Cadetre Institute, Zibusiso Kganyago, TDKS Engineering, Made in Tshwane Construction and the SK Moseneke School Governing Body, also known as “Friends of SK Moseneke”, all share a vision of empowerment through education.
The occasion was also attended by community members, parents and other local businesses, and neighbouring high schools graced the occasion and the school principal, Chris Mmakwena Nong, expressed his sincere gratitude to the donors for their support. He says their support is not just a gift to the school but a significant investment and a beacon of hope for a brighter future for children in the community.
“Since we started this journey in terms of support and after renaming the school to SK Moseneke Primary School, we’ve witnessed a significant change in the attitude of our children towards education and learning. Your positive contribution has afforded children in the community educational opportunities and a nurturing environment where they can grow and thrive. Everyone in the community can now enrol at our school as we are now forced to accommodate 1 720 children this year,” he said.
Nong explained that it is through such acts of kindness and commitment from community members that the school can make a proper impact in the lives of children as they are the future of the country.
“As our partners, you believed that in a short period, classrooms can be built and indeed you have managed to do this, he said.
Nong says the school started with 300 learners and only five educators and currently, the school accommodates 1 700 learners and boasts 30 classrooms constructed from prefabricated materials. Originally, the structure of the school was intended as a temporary solution, however the school’s continued operation became essential due to the increasing demand for education in the area.
Encha Group Chief Executive Officer, Koketso Moseneke, says the school is the second project in which they assist schools in Atteridgeville with infrastructure. Their journey started at Makgato Primary School where they managed to build two classrooms.
“What is very important to us is the continued partnership that we have with Makgato Primary School. Children gather at Makgato for free for extra classes every weekend. Our hope is that every year we make a mark in these two schools even though resources are limited,” Moseneke said.
Describing the layout of the new classrooms, Moseneke says this is a symbol of resilience and progress. They are constructed with sturdy brick and mortar and each classroom comes equipped with a store room to provide ample space for educational materials and resources.
“These structures not only represent physical expansion but also signify the ensuring commitment to providing quality education to every child in the community.
She says at the heart of the “Friends of S.K Moseneke initiative lies a profound belief in the transformative power of education and the importance of community collaborations.
“By coming together, pooling resources and investing in infrastructure, we aim to build capacity and to create a conducive learning environment for generations to come,” Moseneke said.