THE beacon of hope on the hill has been restored to its former glory, after the refurbishment of seven classrooms that burnt down eight years ago was recently completed.
This R5 million project at Paterson High School in Schauderville was a generous donation from the humanitarian organisation, Gift of the Givers. The organisation’s spokesperson, Ali Sablay, said that during a walkabout at the school, while drilling a borehole on the premises, they stumbled upon the gutted classrooms.
The loss of the seven classrooms led to overcrowding in other classrooms, which had to accommodate between 50 and 55 learners.
“We discovered the seven classrooms destroyed by a fire in 2015 that commenced in a storage room for old books.
“We rebuilt these classrooms to reduce the pressure on existing functional facilities catering for 50 to 55 learners per class,” he explained.
The organisation, in partnership with Avery Dennison, Total Energies and Exxaro, came together to not only rebuild the six damaged classrooms, and the one completely burnt down, but also constructed a new astroturf for netball, hockey and soccer.
The classrooms were also painted and new furniture provided.
It is suspected that the fire started as a result of street dwellers trying to warm themselves, but the cause of the fire was never found.
True to the Paterson spirit, the staff dressed in green and gold for the launch of the classrooms, with the school hall draped in the same colours in smart fashion, complete with flashing fairy lights.
The school principal, Rose de Doncker, described Paterson High as the best institution and continued to elaborate on its history as one of the oldest schools in the Eastern Cape, after its establishment in 1925.
She explained that the school has a rich alumni history, with the likes of Professor Jakes Gerwel – director-general in the presidency during former President Nelson Mandela’s term, and anti-apartheid activist Dennis Brutus, among others.
She also mentioned how the learners at the school have excelled both academically and culturally.
“I am honoured to sit at the helm of this institution and we are so grateful to Gift of the Givers and our sponsors for thinking of Paterson High School,” said De Doncker.
Gift of the Givers director, Badr Kazi, said that there can be no education without liberation.
He referred to the astroturf and added that sport helps learners function well.
“The mental health of our learners is of utmost importance. Playing sport can help them with their angst and create a safe space for them,” he added.
Nelson Mandela Bay Education District director, Ernest Gorgonzola, praised De Doncker for being a guiding light at the school.
“Your energy speaks volumes. It is something that can be seen and felt and we are grateful to have someone like you leading the school,” he said.
“The district is very impressed with the collaboration that we have seen here.”
