The Grade R learners of Holvlei Primary School recently started their third term in a newly built classroom.
The new classroom was handed over by Umoya Energy Wind Farm in late June at a ceremony attended by the principal, teachers, parents, school government body members and Early Child Development Manager Sally Meyer, the West Coast Education District and the Department of Basic Education.
The new classroom forms part of Umoya Energy’s integrated school development programme, aptly called the Wholeschool Development Programme, which has been implemented through its service provider, Inclusive Education South Africa.
As part of the project, the classroom has been fully equipped with educational equipment and furnishings. Items such storage cabinets, bookshelves, a sand pit, tables and chairs, white boards, pin boards and more were provided.
Speaking at the handover, Holvlei Primary School principal Christopher Witbooi commented on the impact and the importance of this new classroom. “The hard work that went into this project is commendable and will ultimately benefit our young children,” he said.
Although the school has only 12 Grade R learners there is a need in the community for the school to take on more. Hence, the newly built fully functional classroom will enable the school to increase its intake next year.
Grant Titus of Inclusive Education South Africa explained there was no space for the teacher to create the necessary learning areas within the classroom previously. This means the children did not have special zones for essential learning activities, such as reading, art or creative exploration. “Recognising this gave rise to the discussion on the need to procure an adequate facility that would stimulate learning and development,” Titus concluded.
