Waiting in the blazing sun or pouring rain for school transport is a thing of the past for many pupils, thanks to Kensington Scholar Transport (Kenstra).

The non-profit organisation (NPO), founded seven years ago to promote safe scholar transport, has erected sheltered waiting areas at two Kensington schools with the support of generous donors.

Based in Kensington, the group does far more than transport pupils. It also supports community initiatives, including food distribution for vulnerable residents and an annual sanitary drive for learners.

Mariam Hendricks, chair of Kenstra, said the group consist of about 13 drivers.

“We had the vision to build shelters because when we get to the schools, our children are soaking wet because there isn’t sufficient shelter for them to wait.

“With the help of some of the businesses in the area, we were able to put up our first shelter in June last year at Kenmere Primary School.”

She explained the design of the shelter, which cost about R35 000 to erect.

“It looks like a carport and is big enough to accommodate a few learners.”

Hendricks said they were able to erect their second sheltered waiting area at Windermere Primary School in April this year.

“With the help of donors, we even made some benches for kids to sit on as well. It was well received by the school. The children are also using it during break time or when teachers have classes outside, they use the shelter as a space to work.”

Hendricks explained that they would like to expand the initiative to other schools, but are in need of funds. She appealed to residents and businesses to get involved.

“People can either donate material or cash. Or they can simply support our fundraising initiatives. We have more schools in the pipeline, but we need funds. The drivers must fork money out of their own pockets, or we approach businesses in the area.”

Rodney Page, principal of Windermere, said the shelter is beneficial for the school.

“Many of our learners are from outside the area. Some travel as far as Langa and Gugulethu. They must wait in the hot sun. On rainy days the area where they have to wait is wet and muddy. Sometimes the field is flooded as well.”

Page said the shelter is already making a huge difference.

“The timing of this project was perfect and just in time for winter. We will have less absent learners because they won’t get sick while standing in the rain. They even erected benches so now learners can sit and wait.”

The principal expressed his gratitude to the team.

“The school has a good relationship with the members of Kenstra. They are also advising other scholar drivers about ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy. They are doing amazing things in the area and for schools. We cannot thank them enough for this project they have completed at the school.”

Hendricks said last year their annual sanitary towel initiative saw them distributing over 1000 sanitary towels to schools in the area. They hope to host another later this year.

“It’s not just about driving learners to school, there are many other things that we do in the community,” she concluded.

To donate email Kensingtonstf@gmail.com

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