Company gives kids a nutritional boost through new school kitchen

MZINTI – The importance of nutritious meals for schoolchildren was highlighted when Air Products recently unveiled a brand-new kitchen at Tikhuni Secondary School.

For many of the school’s learners, the meal they receive there is the only food they get for the whole day, explained circuit manager Dr Sybil Mubi.

Kitchen staff used to cook the food on open fires under the trees. Their new multi-purpose facility will ensure meals are prepared in a safe and hygienic environment.

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Air Products, a manufacturer and supplier of industrial gas, equipment and services, originally became involved with the nearby Magcekeni Primary School about 15 years ago, explained Joshua le Roux, the company’s corporate social investment (CSI) chairman. He said one of their staff saw on TV that children in Mpumalanga were being educated under trees. This tugged at his heartstrings and he encouraged the committee to see how they could assist in this regard.

Although their nearest plant is in eMalahleni, their investigations led them to the Mzinti-based primary school, where they provided funds to build two new classrooms. They have built a strong relationship since, and their latest project was building a grade R classroom.

After helping the school set up a computer centre, the headmaster pointed the CSI committee in Tikhuni’s direction. Most of the children move on to this high school and the Air Products staff decided that they needed to assist Tikhuni to continue their journey with the children.

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When the CSI committee visited the school and spotted the food preparation, they realised that computers were not the highest item on the priority list. Safety is one of Air Products’ key aspects, and staff identified the open fires and outdoor environment as risks to the kitchen staff, teachers and learners.

During the unveiling ceremony on March 7, Air Products’ general manager of packaged gases, Sizwe Nkonde, explained that Air Products strives to make positive differences in the communities in which they operate.

Guests were introduced to the various CSI projects across the country, which range from assisting early childhood development centres near their facilities to annually donating money to charity organisations.

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Tikhuni’s principal, Jerry Nhlebeya, was very grateful for Air Products’ involvement and stated that they were leaving a footprint on the school.

He said the school is attended by the poorest of the poor, with a learner count of 993.

Thanks to a donation of lab kits and chemicals, Air Products enabled learners to experience the practical side of physical science. Their marks notably improved and last year’s matrics had a 100 per cent pass rate for the subject.

As extra encouragement, the top 10 learners are invited on a three-day tour to Gauteng each year, where they can explore the various careers related to maths and science at Air Products’ local facilities. This gives them an opportunity to see science in action and decide if they truly want to follow a career in such an industry.

Next year the best performing matric in science will receive a bursary from Air Products for studies relating to one of the fields they are involved in.

Nhlebeya expressed his hope that other stakeholders in the community would also step up to assist the school.

The circuit manager, Dr Sybil Mubi, stated that Tikhuni achieved excellent matric results and that learners worked hard to rise above their circumstances. By getting a nutritious meal at school, they perform better.

She reminded teachers to regard kids as lives they need to change, not just as numbers that needs to be educated.

Le Roux stated that Air Products plans to continue their relationship with Tikhuni and Magcekeni and to see how they can assist these schools to improve and excel.