Phambili High gets new library and lab
The school's much-needed facilities were given a face lift.
PHAMBILI High School opened the doors of a newly revamped library and science laboratory presented by the NPC Trust in conjunction with the Department of Education on Monday, 27 July. Guests present at the hand-over included political members, members of the school’s governing body, teachers and the pupils.
Former Phambili educator, Linda Ntuli, shared the school’s brief history among the guests where he highlighted that although it is not long, it is very rich, sad, but also interesting. “Phamili High School was born out of a community’s struggle. During Apartheid, a lot of young people rebelled against the then government’s laws, many of them were imprisoned and were not allowed back in government schools after their release,” explained the teacher, who coincidentally was a history teacher at the school.
He added that in the early 80s, 21 organisations united to afford the youth “deprived by the system” a second chance at getting an education.
“The school was born out of an intervention in an educational crisis. Phambili was the only school in the country that was owned by those who believed in progressive education. It was also the first school to not offer Afrikaans as a subject,” he noted.
Seaview councillor, Billie Prinsloo, attested to some of the challenges the school has faced and said that she was excited about the new changes being implemented in the school. The CEO of NPC, Salim Kader, assured guests that the history of Phambili High School will live on. “We are a builder of dreams and not just a manufacturer and today is just that. Pupils will be able to get knowledge from the two resources and be able to further their dreams,” he said.
