Nomzamo High School in Strand has received a significant boost thanks to a partnership between Strong Schools Community Collaborative (SSCC) and Capitec Bank. The two organisations have collaborated to establish a much-needed sick bay and counselling room, providing essential services to students for the first time.
The official opening of the facilities was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Thursday 31 October and was attended by sponsors, guests, staff and learners.
Learners and educators expressed their gratitude with songs of joy and beautiful words to show their thanks.
“This space, addressing the rising need for psycho-social support and well-being among students and teachers, is truly a Godsend and a major milestone for Nomzamo High School,” said Strong Schools in a statement. “It provides a safe, private and comforting environment where learners can be honest about their emotions, confront challenges and receive professional support from trained counsellors.
“Additionally, it will serve as a sick bay, giving unwell learners a peaceful place to rest and recover. SSCC currently collaborates with two counsellors from our community, Adré Potgieter (therapeutic social worker and neuro-coach), and Abeedah Hendricks-Lalla (child-focused psychologist from Cedar Psychology). Their expertise and dedication to this project have been invaluable.”
Asked to comment on the sponsorship, Capitec Bank responded that their involvement with Nomzamo High School is part of their ongoing work with schools connected to the Strong Schools network, where Capitec employee volunteers have supported multiple initiatives over recent years.
“Last year, we provided funding for a new Counselling Room and Sick Bay to address the importance of psycho-social support in strengthening school communities. Having a dedicated space for health and emotional care is essential, and we’re pleased to see it open and accessible to students. Alongside this project, we supported Nomzamo High’s calculator drive to further learners’ resources in maths, which complements the investment made by the Capitec Foundation’s in pure mathematics through its whole school model. We also supported the school with white boards and data projectors to help create a more conducive learning environment. Additionally, earlier this year we piloted a life skills initiative focused on Grades 11 and 12 learners, equipping them with critical skills for navigating life after school. Valuable feedback from learners and teachers has guided us in refining this initiative going forward.
“Through these efforts, we’re committed to investing back into education and the communities we serve, aiming to create a lasting impact on schools like Nomzamo High.”
