New Denmark Colliery recently came to the aid of Hoërskool George Hofmeyr, which has for more than a century served a variety of valuable functions for teenage girls.
Over the past few years, it has specialised in providing both education and a safe haven for young women who cannot be accommodated in the mainstream education system.
“Many of the girls who have been placed here are in need of specialist care. Because of this they often board with us, even during the school holidays,” principal of the school, Ms Magda Kriel said.
The school operates under the auspices of the Department of Education and takes in teens from as far away as Secunda.
Its current enrolment of 70 pupils will be expanded to accommodate a new intake of 90 girls.
Accommodation needs, including the renovation of an unoccupied building and security were paramount in this new development and the school – which has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with New Denmark – asked the mine for assistance.
While George Hofmeyr does receive a state grant, it does not benefit from parent fees or fund-raising activities.
The response was that the operation provided no fewer than 50 quality mattresses for the new dormitory and covered the cost of a new security fence to replace the existing ageing structure.
“These donations are highly appreciated as we are dedicated to providing an environment that is sensitive to our pupils’ needs – academically, physically, emotionally and psychologically,” Ms Kriel added.
