Classroom upgrades revive learning environment at Parktown Boys’ High School
A major classroom refurbishment project at Parktown Boys’ High School is creating modern learning spaces, while thoroughly highlighting the lasting impact of alumni support.
Parktown Boys’ High School’s old boys are giving learners and teachers a sense of hope, as they transform the school into a modern learning environment through a classroom refurbishment project.
The project, led by the Parktonian Foundation Trust, has raised just over R1.5m through a match funding campaign.
According to Joe Kotwal, the foundation’s CEO, all the money that they were able to raise has been designated for classroom upgrades. “We promised all donors that every cent would go towards our classroom refurbishment project.”
Read more: Award winning musician inspires National School of Arts learners at Jazz for Young People Workshop
The funding will renovate 25 classrooms, with the cost of each being about R70 000.
Fifteen classrooms have already been done, with the remaining 10 to be completed within the next three months. Desks are being replaced, floors restored, walls draped with fresh paint, whiteboards installed, and LED lighting has been introduced.
“It just really creates an environment that is conducive to modern learning.”
Each refurbished classroom has a plaque just outside recognising the donor or group of donors who helped fund the project.
Also read: Community unifies to restore neighbourhood parks
Kevin Stippel, the school’s headmaster, said the refurbishment is part of the school’s 2027 vision, which was started when he became headmaster in 2023 during the school’s centenary year.
“We’ve got these beautiful school buildings, but there was a need to upgrade the teaching and learning spaces within the school.”
He said learners truly embraced the new classrooms. “There’s been a very positive reaction. There’s a sense of pride when you walk into classrooms that have been refurbished and modernised.”
The school has 40 classrooms in total, as well as additional rooms, such as computer labs, so the fundraising is not yet complete.
The foundation hopes to finish the refurbishment by the end of next year.
Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!
