When Global Leadership Academy in Jeffreys Bay was established in 2010, the school had great plans to provide quality education to children in the region, and to do so the school have expanded and upgraded their buildings multiple times over the last 13 years.
As part of their plans to expand the school’s eco-campus they have built a kindergarten and primary school to further serve the Kouga community.
To finance the completion of the primary school, Oakridge Academy, five teachers from the school have committed to challenge themselves to compete in three marathons, including the Ironman 70.3 (Gqeberha and Mossel Bay), Two Oceans Ultra Marathon, and the Comrades Marathon.
Business studies teacher, Paul du Plessis, said since the school’s establishment 13 years ago, the school has grown tremendously with the development of the primary school beginning in 2014.
“The school has built new buildings, upgraded facilities, and even developed and expanded their campus to include a primary school and kindergarten,” said du Plessis.
He said that all three of the extreme events which they will be participating in will serve to raise funds to complete the building of Oakridge Academy, as well as start with the expansion and completion of the GLA eco-campus.
Du Plessis said the primary school is fully functional with 108 learners from grades R to 7; however the school needs at least R100 000 to complete the construction of four new classrooms.
To raise the necessary funds, du Plessis will be competing in the three ultra-challenges, alongside his colleagues, Le Roux Broodryk, Andre Agenbag, Jacomien Hauman and Johan Oosthuizen with, the first challenge, Ironman 70.3, taking place on March 5 in Gqeberha.
One month later Du Plessis will participate in the Two Oceans Marathon on April 15 and 16. Oosthuizen will then join him in tackling the Comrades Marathon on June 11, and on November 19 all the teachers will compete in the Ironman 70.3 Mossel Bay on November 19.
He said that they are now hoping for local businesses, as well as individuals, to get involved to help raise funds for the school.
“By helping the school develop its primary school, individuals and businesses will be serving their community,” said Du Plessis.
- For information contact Global Leadership Academy on 042 293 3053; email the school on admin@gla-jbay.org or email Paul du Plessis on paul@gla-jbay.org.
