Undergoing a full-on facelift, Chelmsford Primary School is reaping the rewards of being partner to the AfriTwin project.
Since its inception in 2001, the founders endeavoured to foster profitable relationships between schools in the United Kingdom and South Africa.
With more than 250 participating schools, emphasis is placed on the importance of regular contact, and exchanges between teachers and pupils.
Chelmsford, under the guidance of principal, Mervin Woods, has two AfriTwins: Ferrum High School and Wellacre Academy in Manchester.
Going above and beyond to turn Chelmsford’s dreams into a reality, pupils of Wellacre and Shuttleworth College in the United Kingdom went about collecting funds for the project.
The Wellacre boys recently travelled to Newcastle, where they teamed up with the Ferrum Falcons to carry out much-needed renovations at Chelmsford Primary.
Dividing up into teams of two, pupils sanded and applied a fresh coat of paint to two classrooms. New curtains and a whiteboard were also installed.
“Unfortunately, there was not enough money for a data projector and computer. Hopefully more money will come in from the other AfriTwins,” explained Ferrum High School’s, Erika Erasmus.
She commended pupils on their hard work, and said the revamped rooms looked phenominal.
“The classes look really nice,” she said. “In this year, we hope to do two more classrooms with the new AfriTwins.”
Mrs Erasmus added no money was collected from South African parents, with the exception of donations.
“Chelmsford, it has been a pleasure working with you. The children are always willing to work.”
In addition, an amateur football club based in the United Kingdom donated a complete soccer kit to Chelmsford Primary, which was handed over by the pupils of Wellacre.
“When it’s done as a team, as we are doing it now, the pupils take more pride in the class. Thank you very much!” exclaimed Mr Woods.
Newly appointed Deputy Principal of Ferrum, Steven Wilmans, said the pupils put in a tremendous effort.
“Youngsters are the foundation of the new South Africa. Let this also be the start of a ‘new Newcastle’.”
Mr Wilmans thanked the AfriTwins, and encouraged pupils to interact regularly.
“Above all, treasure every moment you had in South Africa,” he concluded.
