It was a weekend well-spent at Amakhemfundo Primary, as the school re-opened the old school playground after it was revamped by Tricom Structures, a telecommunications company.
Excitement could be felt as pupils sang and cheered for their favourite soccer teams – there was a soccer challenge for both boys and girls on the day. It was a fun-filled day coming after years of struggling – the school has had to use the community sports ground when they had any sports activities. The visitors (Tricom) and the schoolboys’ team competed in a soccer challenge, which Tricom won with a score of 2-1. Girls’ soccer added to the fun, and the focus was more on enjoying the day.
The day was made extra special with soccer kits being handed over, including two soccer jerseys, 24 soccer balls and bottles of juice.
Acting principal Mr Ngobese and the educators were thrilled, and thanked the company for their generosity. Mr Cobus Smith, General Manager for Tricom Structures, explained that his company works with a number of programmes, specialising in telecommunications, and they are currently busy putting up cellphone towers not far away from the school.
Amakhemfundo is situated near the railway line. “It came to my mind that there must be something we can do for the school, as the company has a programme where they get involved in initiatives to give back to communities. This school was one of the lucky ones,” he said.
Visits were made to the school towards the end of the previous year, where the then principal indicated that the pupils do not have sports grounds. “This is why we decided to facilitate sports grounds for the school.”
Installing the soccer ground with poles, together with the soccer kits, cost about R150 000. However, there is still a fence and grass to be put on the ground, which Mr Cobus indicated may take about a year to get into perfect condition. He said they are considering erecting a fence to prevent vandalism.
Acting Principal Ngobese thanked the company for their generosity – he said this will make a huge difference in the performance of students. “We know that if they are given work and no time to relax their mind becomes dull,” he said. He said that with the re-election of the governing body this will be discussed to find possible solutions to keep the ground in shape and in the state it deserves.
