Palm Ridge Primary School is calling on the community and private sector to assist the school with much-needed sponsorships and donations to improve learning conditions and support learners from the surrounding township community.

Amid this appeal, Raceview Motors is preparing to donate a water tank and pressure pump by June 20.

The school, situated near RDP housing areas in Palm Ridge, says it faces ongoing challenges linked to limited funding, infrastructure shortages and the increasing demand for resources needed to provide quality education.

Principal Sinthamalr Pillay explained that as a Section 20 school, most financial decisions and allocations are controlled by the Department of Education, with funding mainly covering maintenance and basic services.

“We only receive money for maintenance and services, and unfortunately, it is not enough to cover all the school’s needs. Projects and improvements rely heavily on fundraising efforts and sponsorships. The SGB’s core function is fundraising and they assist in facilitating the process, but because of the socio-economic conditions of our community, fundraising remains extremely difficult,” said Pillay.

Funding challenges and growing needs

According to Pillay, the school serves a lower working-class community and many parents are unable to contribute financially towards additional school needs.

“We have many needs. We do not have proper sports grounds, we need infrastructure upgrades, and we also need assistance with electricity and water backup systems,” she said.

Deputy principal Magate Kgolane said the school also lacks essential backup systems during service disruptions.

“If there’s no electricity, we don’t have generators or solar systems. If there’s no water, we don’t have JoJo tanks. These are some of the major needs at the school,” he said.

The school confirmed that Raceview Motors is planning to donate a water tank and pressure pump by June 20 to assist Palm Ridge Primary with ongoing water supply challenges.

School management welcomed the support, saying the donation will help improve water access during outages and interruptions that often affect daily operations at the school.

The school needs:

• Alternate power supply

• Printers

• 30 steel cupboards

• Steel shelving for 45 storerooms

• 150 IP learner chairs

• 150 IP learner tables

• 250 bar stools, since labs are used as classrooms. Lab stools are not comfortable for learners, as there is no backrest

• 50 heavy-duty fans

• A mini school tuck shop structure

• A revamped staffroom

• Four admin workstations

• Paint for the entire school buildings

• 3 JoJo tanks

• Car ports for educators and visitors 

• Jungle gym 150 learners

Due to the school not having a play area, the assembly area is also used as a playground for learners. The school is in need of a shade structure for assemblies, which will provide shelter from the sun and rain.

ICT and classroom resources needed

• 2 000 learner tables

• 50 smart boards

• 50 projectors

• Blinds for 50 classrooms

• Wi-Fi coverage

• Tablet coverage with charging facilities

Palm Ridge Primary has also embarked on becoming a fully ICT-integrated school, but officials say more support is needed to reach that goal.

“We are a full ICT school, but we still do not have enough tablets for learners. At the moment we only have smart boards for Grade Seven classes, but our dream is for the entire school to become fully ICT-enabled,” said Kgolane.

School officials say additional technology resources will help improve teaching and learning opportunities for learners across all grades.

Tax benefits to sponsors

Pillay said the school has obtained Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) 9187091286 status, making donations tax-deductible for sponsors.

“We are the second school in Circuit One to receive PBO status. This means businesses or individuals who sponsor the school can claim the contribution back through tax benefits. Our financial records are always in excellent order and we consistently receive unqualified audit reports,” said Pillay.

“We are trying our best to provide quality education and opportunities for our learners, but we cannot do it alone. Any sponsorship, whether cash or in-kind donations, will make a difference,” she said.

Palm Ridge Primary opened in 2019 and currently serves learners from Palm Ridge, Eden Park, Siluma View, Phola Park and Greenfields.

Community members and businesses interested in assisting the school can contact Palm Ridge Primary School directly for sponsorship opportunities and donation arrangements on 010 100 3527 or email palmridgeprimary@gmail.com