Financing construction of a multifunctional building, Lugebhuta High School, Schoemansdal

For years the school has struggled with a lack of space in all areas. From storage to workspaces for teachers. In addition, everyone wants to have the feeding scheme at the high school as well. It is urgently needed; teachers indicate that students fall asleep and cannot concentrate. The Department of Education is not there yet. A building that has a kitchen, a space for teachers, as well as a space for extra lessons and meetings. That would improve the level. For us, it is indeed a large project. We see the urgency, and together with the school we are starting. The school will provide manpower for cleaning, painting, and food. YEBO insists that everyone contributes, including the teachers.

We find an architect/builder (community service), a local substantial sponsor; bus company, a local building materials sponsor, Wilde Ganzen, and a hospitality program in the Netherlands (TIO University of Applied Sciences). The YEBO board traveled across the country to give a presentation at each TIO fundraising event. With a letter from Wilde Ganzen for the Department of Education in hand, ‘Only if they provide the feeding scheme, will we contribute to the building,’ it works!! All 1,275 students will receive a meal every day!

The teachers completely step out of their comfort zone and come to paint, classes take turns scraping the paint off the windows, cleaning up construction debris, mopping floors, and cleaning. A YEBO electronics student installs all the wiring. The school is preparing a grand opening party, mothers are cooking, there is singing and dancing, the mayor comes to give his speeches, and all stakeholders celebrate exuberantly as well! Including two TIO students who happen to be doing an internship in South Africa.

Yes, it was a lot of work, but we learned a lot, had a lot of fun, and most importantly..... so many children and teachers are better off. Everything for a better future!

Festive opening July 2011