[Drone footage] Protearif almost a brand-new school!
Before-and-after footage of the damage and repairs to the school after the tornado.
Introducing the new and improved Laerskool Protearif – complete with roofs, ceilings, painted classrooms and even a few extra buildings.
Last year on 9 October the school was devastated by a tornado. Pictures on social, print and digital media showed the extent of the damage’ and the community and principal had to work fast to get the almost R2 million required for repairs before the start of the new school year.
Photo: Bianca Pindral
Within a month they managed to gather close to R200 000, but there was still a lot to be done.
Read more here: IN PHOTOS: The destruction left by the storm on the West Rand
Firstly they had to find accommodation for their learners to complete the fourth school term. Curro Krugersdorp came to the rescue and took them under their wings by offering them the empty classrooms they had available.
Then they needed painters and builders – that was when Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels team took it upon themselves to ask the community’s help. They broadcast live from their mobile studio on the school premises, resulting in an overwhelming response from local business people and community members donating manpower and money to restore the school.
And here it is!
Photo: Bianca Pindral
The News visited the school a week before the 2018 school year started where the smell of wet paint lingered through the halls. Teachers were painting desks and walls, and everywhere craftsmen were busy with the finishing touches to their work.
Also Read: Laerskool Protearif-noodfonds – so kan jy help
The before-and-after aerial photos show the tremendous improvement from a roofless and damaged main building to a newly roofed one.
They have a brand-new tuck shop and three extra classrooms for the Grade 1s.
Photo: Bianca Pindral
“We are so exited to go back to school,” said Lalique Wehmeyer, a Grade 7 learner after seeing the new classrooms for the first time.
“We were worried when we saw the damage, but now that we see how much work has already been done, we know that our school is saved.”
School principal Donna Lourens was all smiles while taking the News on a tour of his beautiful school.
“Without the businesses, without the community and without every single person who contributed, we wouldn’t have been able to save our school. Thank you, Krugersdorp,” said Donna.
Photo: Bianca Pindral
The school now calls on the Department of Education to provide funding for the repairs they were unable to do. However, the school is now safe and learners will return on Wednesday, 17 January.
Have a look at the drone footage of the old school here:
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za or phone us on 011 955 1130.I
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