Rural schools benefit from Norwegian science initiative

Nine schools from the KwaXolo Traditional Council are reaping the fruits of international relations initiated by leader, Inkosi Mxolisi Xolo with Impande, a non-profit organisation which aims to raise funds in Norway to assist schools located in rural KwaZulu-Natal.

On seeing the needs of maths and science learners at high school level, Rune Haukeland, a former science teacher from Norway said he grew a passion to initiate a programme to assist both educators and learners in the science faculty by providing them with the necessary equipment and holding workshops, which government has failed to do timeously.

“In the KwaXolo area, Mthusi, Thobigunya,Tholimfundo, Mhlabauhlangene, Mashesha, Phathwa, Mbambi Mlonde and Mcushwa high schools are beneficiaries of the programme. When we first visited the schools we were shocked at the lack of facilities. The schools are in a bad state, some have no toilets which is inhumane of the government not to prioritise,” said Haukeland.

He said their mission is to change this.

“In other schools, we have built classrooms, toilets and donated equipment such as projectors to assist in learning. This programme was started 10 years ago and I can gladly say we have seen several graduates who were assisted by this programme,” Haukeland added.

He said going forward the goal is to have an exchange programme so that learners from here are exposed to opportunities which are available to them in Norway.

Pastor and former science teacher, Caleb Phehlukwayo assigned by Inkosi Xolo said he was grateful for the initiative,

“We are grateful to Inkosi for always wanting what is best for our learners. He believes that education is the only tool that will readdress the issue of poverty and hunger in our community. We are impressed with the programme and we looking forward to more relations with this Norwegian organisation,” Phehlukwayo commented.

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