Century-old school flourishing by faith

More than a century after it was established, Aldinville Senior Primary School is still a beacon of hope and light to the Groutville community.
Founded in 1844 by missionary Aldin Grout, the school has gone from strength to strength, with Chief Albert Luthuli rumoured to have been a pupil.
During a tour of the school, teacher Dumisani Buthelezi said it is one of the oldest in the province.
“Most of the other schools close to us like BW Vilakazi Primary and Groutville High stem from Aldinville. We are the tree and we have produced many branches.”
Buthelezi said although many may not know about Aldinville, tucked away along the R102, the school has fared well in the cultural arena.
A group of grade six pupils recently competed in the ELITS readers’ cup competition and came first nationwide.
They also scooped top position in KZN at the intermediate quiz competitions, with some of their pupils invited to speak on air at Ukhozi FM.
Given its age the school is experiencing structural difficulties, with the wooden floors and ceilings deteriorating.
“Some of our classrooms cannot be used because the floors are not safe and we cannot have children falling through. Our pupils are crammed, averaging 60 in each classroom.”
But facing these challenges does not stop the Aldinville staff from making the school a happy place, says deputy principal Zoe Mbonambi.
“We are a family at Aldinville and we want our children to see us happy, so they are happy. We will always live the words of our motto: by faith, we flourish.”