
by Pier Sadiki and Eljjar
Mushiana
MPHENI - The Deputy Director General of Education in the NorthernProvince,Mr
Mpfareli Mukhavhuli said the economy country is very weak and businesses
cannot afford it to pay the salaries of its workers anymore.
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The official handing over of the school water project,
which was funded by the Australian Government and implemented by Parkin
Air Drills. Mr David Connolly, the Australian High Commissioner is
cutting the ribbon. On the left is Mr Philmon Mdaka, mayor of Vuwani,
Hlanganani and at the right is Mre Fashudu Munungufhala, principal
of Muthuhadini Primary. |
The Australian High Commissioner, Mr David Connolly,
phoses with a sculpture of a snake, he received as gift from the principal
and the teachers of Muthuhadini Primary School. His government sponsored
a water project at the school. |
Mr Mukhavhuli was the guest speaker during the handing over of a water
project to Muthuhadini school last Saturday. According to him, the water
project will be a huge asset in the area and will play a major role in
the development of the area.
He emphasised the under-development of the rural areas and said he is
going to negotiate with the different departments to assist schools like
Sinugane to obtain chairs and tables.
The water project was sponsored by the Australian Government. According
to the Australian High Commissioner, Mr David Connolly, the main aim of
the project is to help schools to develop.
He stated that his government has already assisted in building many classrooms
in Kwazulu Natal. He said schools that need assistance from his government
can liase with Parkin Air Drills in Louis Trichardt.
Water for Schools project pays dividends
The Water for Schools Project, which was initiated in 1999 to
bring water to schools in the dry Northern Province, is starting to pay
dividends to schools who were prepared to play their part for the benefit
of scholars and the community.
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Children at
a water point at Muthuhadini Primary School. The project was completed
in June 2000 |
Pupils of
George Mbulaheni Secondary School are enjoying the water at their
school. The project at their school was completed in September 2000 |
According to a spokesperson for Parkin Air Drills, who is
implementing the project, it has become increasingly evident to the company
that rural schools are desperately in need of a constant water supply
on their premises. It was stated that children at various schools are
sent home early on hot days due to a lack of water at the schools. Proper
hygiene and clean books are impossible at the schools without a constant
water supply. In such schools agricultural science could only be taught
theoretically.
During discussions with several schools in the dry, rural areas of the
Northern Province, Parkin Air
Drills found that the total cost of drilling and fitting a borehole is
beyond most of the school's financial means and in an effort to help the
schools, the company has decided to embark on a self-help project to assist
schools.
The project does not involve a "hand out" to a school, as the
school and community had to raise an amount of R10 000 for the project.
For the rest of the payment, R25 000, Parkin Air Drills will find a sponsor.
Once the school presents a guarantee of having raised its R10 000 share
in the project,and a finder has undertaken to pay the balance, drilling
will commence within a week.
Weather and terrain permitting, the installation will be completed within
a week from the start of the project Parkin Air Drills will drill a borehole
with guaranteed water, and supply fit the hole. The installation will
be guaranteed for six months.
The target group for the project are the 1 024 primary and secondary schools
in the Far Northern Province Region and the 52 pre-schools in the area.
Schools already benefiting from the project include the Muthahadini Primary
School at Mpheni, Tshiitwa
Secondary School at Mashamba and the George Mbulaheni Secondary School
at Tshikuwe.
Five schools, Fatuwani Secondary at Malavuwe, Mpfaraseni Secondary at
Malayvuwe, Hanyani Secondary at Nkuzana, Raluombe Secondary at Mashamba
and Ozias Davhana Secondary at Mpheni have already applied for assistance
this year.
Schools interested in gathering more information about the project as
well as possible sponsors may phone015 516 0572. Application forms are
available from 21 Vorster Street in Louis Trichardt
Tshiitwa Water Project opened
MASHAMBA - Dancing, singing, poetry and lots of food were the order
of the day at Tshiitwa Secondary School last Saturday at a feast held
to thank the Australian people for their generous funding received through
the Water for Schools Project
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The Australian High Commissioner, Mr David Connolly and the DAP co-ordinator,
Mr Martin Walker, were the guests of honour at the ceremony.
Mr MF Rambau, chairman of Tshiitwa's governing body, mentioned that the
reason for the function was to thank the Australian people for the funding,
but also to let other "waterless" schools know that everything
is possible provided that they put their minds to it. He also praised
the Water for Schools Project for alleviating the drought being experienced
by learners at various schools in the region.
The principal of the school highlighted the school's history since its
establishment in 1982 as a Junior Secondary School, with an enrolment
of 139 learners and 3 educators. He explained how they had a borehole
drilled by the Department of Water Affairs in 1984. However, in 1993,
after testing the water, the Department of Health and Welfare instructed
the closure of the borehole. Thereafter followed seven trying, waterless
years, when the principal carted 75 litres of water from his home to school
daily.
Early in October 2000, the Water for Schools Project co-ordinator, Modjadjie
Stam visited the school, and by the start of the new school year, with
the Australians' help, they had clean, tested water on their newly fenced
grounds once again.
Mr Mudau extend the school's gratitude to Messrs Connolly and Walker for
spending their "off' time with the people at Mashamba as well as
for making Australian funding available to the school for both projects.
He also thanked Ms Stam and Parkin Air Drills for helping to make their
dream of water at school a reality.
Ms Stam thanked the parents of Tshiitwa for the united and speedy manner
in which they agreed and collected the school's 25% share of both projects.
She also highlighted the fact that those schools that had already applied
for the project, must be patient, because water is on its way. She explained
that seeking for funding was a lengthy process and that schools should
not become too impatient.
Khosi NTL Mashamba thanked Australia and Mr Rodney Parkin for alleviating
a portion of the water problems in Mashamha. He thanked the learners and
older dancers for their hearty participation in the celebration activities
and urged the people to work together on future similar community building
projects.
Mr David Connolly, Australian lligh Commissioner, toasted the school's
achievements with a glass of fresh Tshiitwa School Water lie thanked all
participants for the spectacular displays of traditional dancing, singing
and poetry and appealed to the people to keep their traditions and culture
alive for future generations for the benefit of all our children.
Anyone wishing to find out more about the Water for Schools Project can
enquire at
21 Vorster Street, Louis Trichardt. The telephone number is 015 - 516
0572.
The School Governing Body, educators, learners and parents of Tchiitwa
Secondary School at Mashamba wish to thank the following sponsors who
helped make the celebration such a success: Easy Build, Ephraim Nengovhela,
Lazarus Ramutsilei, Leach Printers, Modjadjie Stam, the Premier's Office,
Premjees. Rodney Parkin, Sabco, Soutpansberg, Koelkamers, Spaza Beef Stamp
Shop, Surat Trading, Vrugteman Café and Zoutpansherg Milling Co.
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