Five Germiston schools benefit from R2-million investment

Five Germiston schools out of a pool of seven will benefit from Rand Refinery’s R2m investment in education, enhancing facilities and resources at seven local schools.

Between 2021 and 2022, Rand Refinery invested R5.8m in educational enhancements. The additional R2m underscores its ongoing commitment to education.

The beneficiaries of this programme include Germiston High School, which will have its sports change rooms refurbished.

ALSO READ: Education MEC meets with Primrose Primary management and parents after principal is shot, injured

Germiston South Primary School, Laerskool Goudrand, Laerskool Germiston Primary School, and Galway Primary School will all receive laptops, data projectors, LED screens and interactive edu boards.

“Over 3 000 learners at Boipelo and Sijabulile secondary schools will receive an annual supply of personal care and hygiene products, including sanitary pads for the girls.

“This donation is part of a series of planned contributions focusing on educational support and community development projects. Rand Refinery’s initiatives align with its broader strategy to support educational programmes that promise to yield long-term benefits for community upliftment,” said Praveen Baijnath, the Rand Refinery CEO.

The initiative will create more equitable learning conditions and support holistic educational experiences for learners.

At the handover, Baijnath said, “Rand Refinery has proudly stood as a cornerstone of this community for over a century, nurturing a legacy of growth and resilience. We hope that by investing in the education of today’s learners, we are not only enhancing their futures but also ensuring we build a skills pool in the region to sustain and expand this legacy for the next 100 years.

“The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) recently unveiled its comprehensive strategy to enhance school facilities and educational infrastructure throughout SA.

ALSO READ: Elspark Primary School says goodbye to an education giant

“The DPWI’s initiative is part of the newly released phase two documentation of the National Infrastructure Plan 2050, which is currently open for public review. A key element of this 30-year strategy is the significant shift towards integrating technology in education.

“This includes the development of computer labs and other technological facilities in schools and higher education institutions, marking a pivotal step in modernising educational infrastructure across the nation.

“Modern tools like laptops and projectors are not just enhancements. They are necessities. They open up a world of opportunity for learners, bridging the gap between traditional learning and modern skillsets and teaching enablers.

“They empower learners to navigate and succeed in an increasingly digital world, ensuring education is a catalyst for innovation and future readiness.

“The announcement today aligns our efforts with national goals to transform and enrich learning environments in the country,” said Baijnath.

Baijnath said the donation will go towards refurbishments and procuring modern educational tools in the selected schools.

“These enhancements include refurbing the sports change rooms, equipping classrooms with the latest technology, including laptops, screens, and projectors, to facilitate interactive learning and enable teachers to deliver high-quality education, and distributing dignity packs for both boys and girls, ensuring they attend school comfortably and with confidence,” said Baijnath.

ALSO READ: Gauteng Education Online application system not working

“The schools selected for these transformative improvements were chosen based on their infrastructural needs and the potential for impacting substantial numbers of students.

“These institutions represent a mix of primary and secondary schools, each playing a pivotal role in their communities.

“We have ensured the schools receive exactly what they requested, tailoring our support to meet their specific needs. Supporting education is one of the most powerful ways to empower individuals and build stronger communities. We are committed to continuing to support these crucial initiatives,” said Baijnath.