After a shortage of water for ablution facilities at Nomzamo High School was reported to Strong Schools, a non-profit organisation, mandated to improving conditions at under-resourced schools, the organisation speedily acted to resolve this concerning issue.
Strong Schools requested assistance in solving this problem through establishing the Nomzamo borehole project and approached Afrimat Bulk Commodities in March this year, upon which the company responded favourably to this request. Afrimat agreed to fund the installation of the borehole, with all the required pumps and plumbing, including the electrical plumbing alterations.
“Moreover, Afrimat managed the project in collaboration with Strong Schools and ensured that qualified service providers were appointed for the project,” the organisation revealed.
“The company, motivated by our goal to continue adding value communities where we operate, aligned our CSI (corporate social investment) to support the Sustainable Development Goals for ensuring access to water and sanitation, and allowing for more opportunities to better education for upward socio-economic mobility and escaping poverty, “ said Nokulunga Mbonola, from Afrimat.
The joint efforts between these entities proved to be a success and last week on Monday July 25, the school management of Nomzamo High School took ownership of their newly-installed borehole on the school premises in Somerset West.
Principal Chris Mgubanto highlighted the dire consequences the shortage of water has had on pupils and the school community in the past. “Schools must close if there is no water, and the effect is far-reaching. They fall behind with the curriculum, parents sent their kids to be safe at school and when they go home, most of them hang around on the streets.”
Pupils of the school, after the ribbon-cutting ceremony, expressed their gratitude to all role-players in attendance, by performing a play, illustrating the impact of this issue on their lives.
Strong Schools once again commended the great result achieved in joining forces to collectively solve a community problem. “This project is yet another example of how through collaboration, it is indeed possible to facilitate sustainable and transformational changes, illustrating that every school can evolve into a strong school.”
