The Paterson High School boys’ ablution block has received a much-welcome facelift.
When Sir John Paterson, the founder of Standard Bank South Africa, proudly laid the cornerstone of Paterson High School in Gqeberha in 1925, almost a century ago, he had no idea that the school would grow and earn a reputation for quality education.
This is evident in Paterson High School being announced the third-best school in their area for their class of 2023 matric results. As preparations get underway to prepare pupils, parents, and Gqeberha-community members for the school’s official 2025 centenary celebration, the non-fee-paying school marked the handover of a building that will improve the quality of life for its learners.
Through a partnership between Standard Bank’s Business and Commercial Banking and the Gift of The Givers, the school will enter the next chapter of its life with a fully refurbished boys’ ablution block.
“We have a proud tradition of contributing to education. Counted high among this are contributions enabling schools to provide children with facilities that safeguard their health and dignity,” said provincial head, Standard Bank Business Banking Eastern Cape, Leigh-Anne de Witt.
The refurbishment, which was completed in a month-and-a-half, was necessary as the facility was rundown, unhygienic with not enough ablution facilities, and concrete floors. The doors were also hanging badly. Improvements included replacement of all sanitary wear, plumbing, re-tiling, repairing of all doors and windows, painting of the building exterior and interior, and the roof being sealed and repainted.
The school’s principal, Rose de Doncker, said that the significance of making sure the facility is up to standard for the boys at the school is that it restores dignity knowing that they now have a place of pride.
“The school has introduced a roster so that the facility is kept clean and in good nick and graffiti-free. They will also operate based on peer pressure, so that everyone is kept accountable,” said De Doncker.
“The impact of the revamp goes far beyond mere improvements. The students now feel a sense of pride in their school and even in themselves. I feel that they also have a renewed confidence and belief in their abilities, knowing that they are valued and deserving of a quality education through the revamp of the ablution facilities. This sense of dignity has also created a ripple effect throughout our community, fostering a culture of respect and achievement,” she concluded.
On the first Monday after the completion of the revamp earlier this year, an assembly session with the learners was held, and it’s safe to say the learners were super-excited to start using the facility.
