Learners at Bishop Lavis High School now have access to an upgraded practical learning environment after GrandWest’s Social Impact team funded a substantial refurbishment of the school’s Consumer Studies classroom.

Specialised classroom

The project has transformed the specialised classroom, creating additional space for practical lessons, accommodating growing learner numbers and providing modern equipment and infrastructure to support hands-on learning.

The upgraded classroom features freshly painted walls and ceilings, new flooring, additional shelving and pantry storage, industrial sinks and stoves, and a range of kitchen equipment and small appliances, including a refrigerator, microwaves, blender, kettle, pots, pans and baking trays.

The investment comes at an important time for the school, which serves a community facing high unemployment and limited resources for major infrastructure projects. Much of its budget goes towards day-to-day running costs, and an upgrade of this scale is difficult without additional support.

Despite these challenges, the school’s Consumer Studies Department continues to achieve exceptional results. The subject has maintained a 100% pass rate for several consecutive years, while learner enrolment has grown significantly. The value of Consumer Studies goes beyond the school’s strong academic results. Learners also gain culinary and entrepreneurial skills that can help them pursue careers in hospitality or even start their own businesses after matric.

Merwyn Naidoo, General Manager at GrandWest, said: “Bishop Lavis High School has built an impressive track record in Consumer Studies, and we are proud to support a school that continues to achieve such strong results. This refurbishment gives learners a space that is better suited to the practical nature of the subject, while providing them with equipment and facilities that can help prepare them for opportunities beyond the classroom.”

Ashraf Edross, Principal at Bishop Lavis High School, said: “Consumer Studies has become an increasingly popular subject at our school, and having a modern, properly equipped classroom will make a real difference. Our learners now have more space to work and the right equipment to develop their skills and prepare for opportunities beyond school. We are grateful to GrandWest for making this possible.”

Existing relationship

The refurbishment builds on an existing relationship between GrandWest and Bishop Lavis High School. In 2024, GrandWest supported the school by providing nutritional assistance to matric learners during their final examination period.

The latest investment forms part of GrandWest’s ongoing commitment to supporting initiatives that contribute to education, skills development and the broader wellbeing of communities in which it operates.

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