Rotary Club of Haenertsburg transforms local school’s classrooms
The Rotary Club of Haenertsburg is refurbishing classrooms at Appel Combined School, creating safer, brighter spaces with help from local volunteers and businesses.
TZANEEN – Learners at Appel Combined School are seeing their classrooms transformed thanks to the Rotary Club of Haenertsburg’s ongoing refurbishment project.
The small rural school, which caters for Gr 5-9, is benefiting from the dedication of volunteers, local businesses and farmers who are working together to create a brighter, safer, and more inspiring learning environment.
The project began when Irene Laemmle, owner of The Door Group, received a delivery of broken desks for repair. This inspired the Rotary Club’s community services committee to take on a larger initiative: renovating entire classrooms.
The first classroom renovation, completed during the July school holidays, included replacing rotten roof beams, installing a new ceiling with LED lighting, and repainting both the interior and exterior. The cost for the ceiling and painting came to roughly R10 000.
“This project is about creating a safe, welcoming, and inspiring space for the learners,” said Heather Gore of the Rotary Club of Haenertsburg.
“It’s amazing to see how the community has come together, from businesses supplying materials to volunteers donating their time, to ensure that these children have a proper environment in which to learn.”
The Door Group supplied ceiling boards, new doors, and desk repairs, while local companies such as ZZ2 and Denny Mushrooms assist with transport.
Appel Combined School was founded in the early 1950s on land donated by local farmers. The school began with a single block of four classrooms. Over the years, neighbouring farmers contributed a hall and additional classrooms, gradually helping the school grow. Today, despite serving five grades, the school has only three teachers in line with Department of Education staffing policies.
Beyond improving the physical environment, the Rotary Club hopes the project will instill pride and a sense of belonging among learners.
By upgrading classrooms and creating brighter, healthier spaces, the initiative aims to enhance the overall educational experience for every child.
