Mbekweni is a strong and proud community with inspiring role-players all doing their bit to improve its surroundings. Now Mbekweni Primary School is also determined to improve its own infrastructure.
This year the school was declared a Full-Service School.
Despite this, one of its greatest needs remains a school hall, to host all curricular and extra-curricular activities fully, and in doing so offer even more growth and development to its learners.
“The school constructed was an old model, with inadequate facilities and infrastructure that do not meet the requirements of today’s standards. It lacks a proper computer laboratory, a science laboratory, the list goes on,” said deputy principal Regina Thobela.
She said a much-needed school hall could mark a start of effecting upgrades to the school.
“An assembly hall has multiple uses, including as an auditorium where recreational activities and events could take place. It is where the learners’ daily prayers can be held. The parents’ evenings and meetings can be conducted there.”
For cultural and creative activities such as fine arts, plays, music concerts and debates to take place the school is currently compelled to hire the local community hall.
“Having our very own school hall can also be used to raise funds by renting it out to the community as a venue.
“In the wintertime the rainfall also becomes a problem.”
This year, which marks the school’s 50th anniversary, the school governing body has embarked on creative fundraising initiatives, for which any assistance in the form of donations and sponsorships is most welcome.
This has been a long journey for an institution of learning that:. Was founded in 1972 as the higher primary school, accommodating learners from Standard 3 to 5 (Grade 5-7). . The Learners with Special Education Needs Unit (LSEN) was established in 1987 as a non-governmental organisation by a retired teacher from Mbekweni, Simane Mhlom, and her assistant Vivian Nduna, and was located in the old library building, which is no longer used.
The purpose of starting this project was to care for and develop those learners who needed skills involving handwork and to offer physical training so they can be proud of themselves and become active citizens.. After the 1994 democratic elections the government took an initiative by incorporating these children into mainstream schools. Mbekweni Primary School, as a school earmarked for piloting such a unit, took LSEN into the main premises.. In 1997, the school became a proper primary school when it added Grade 1 to 4. . It also became a pilot for outcomes-based education (OBE) in 1998.. In October 1999 three addtional classrooms were built at Mbekweni Primary by the Western Cape Education Department. . In 2000 LSEN evolved to a unit for learners with disabilities.. Grade R was established in 2008.
According to the principal, Michael Njenxa, the school’s enrolment currently sits at 1 331 learners.
“Our biggest class has 44 learners, which means we also have a dire need for more classrooms, whether be temporary classes or permanent structures.”
The school was happy to get involved with businesses and groups in the wider Drakenstein Valley and invites even more to support their campaign.
So far this year, a Kids Fun Games day was hosted on 21 March as well as a picnic on 26 March, a heritage traditional show on 23 September, a celebrity photoshoot on 14 October, followed by their next event which is an elegant Gala Dinner on 28 October, while former learners continuously pledge money.
To know more on how to get involved contact Regina Thobela on 076 335 7227.
