School ‘leaps’ into the future with solid foundation

The Leap Science and Maths School (Leap 4) in Diepsloot was delighted to unveil their new community hall and school facility recently.

Partners of the school attended a virtual launch where stakeholders discussed the journey of the Leap 4 School from a warehouse facility to a fully-functional classroom environment.

The Leap 4 school, which was officially opened in 2011 through a partnership with the South African Corporate Aveng Group, is dedicated to providing science and mathematics lessons to 254 learners in Diepsloot. The school aims to equip learners as they follow career paths in the relevant industries and help curb the national shortage of skills in these learning areas and talent shortage in the qualified workforce.

Leap executive director and founder John Gilmour said Leap 4 was a beacon of excellence and light to many in Diepsloot.The new school facility was built by 40 Diepsloot locals, providing employment and skills development to community members who not only gained experience but also certifications through the process.

Former Leap 4 learner Khathutselo Nekhatshi said, “When we started building, it was not all about getting a salary, but about honouring a proper space for learners and the local community. A community hall was also built to improve communications in the community.”

Total sponsored the community hall, which will serve as an extension of the school, providing a wider space to conduct classes and exams and assist the school in complying with social distancing.

Board chairman Mothobi Seseli said he joined Leap because he is a beneficiary of education as a positive change-driver, having been brought up in Soweto and benefited from a number of scholarships.”We are thankful to have like-minded partners in this intervention who have been with us each brick of the way,” said Seseli.

“This school is a shining example of what can be achieved and paves the way for the self-liberation of children to become economically active community members.”

Partners including Total, Aveng, AfriSam, Brikor and Truworths, amongst others have enabled the school’s vision to become a reality.Dr Mamphela Ramphele, who attended the launch, congratulated the school, community and learners on their new premises.

“Leap 4 is an example of what is possible if we liberate the potential of children,” said Ramphele.Deputy principal at partner school Dainfern College, Cheryl Coetzee congratulated Leap 4 leader James Malope and the school on their success.

“We wish you all the best going forward. Your school looks amazing!” said Coetzee.

Gilmour concluded the meeting by saying, “The work in Diepsloot is not only about a building but about the hearts, souls, minds and hands of children. It is not just about what a little community in Diepsloot can change, but what South Africa as a whole can do.”