A joint initiative between the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Health (EMRS), and the Department of Education saw over fifty people giving up their time to do a makeover at a small school in the rural community of Bluebank, outside Ladysmith. The group spent three days on the project, from 19 to 22 June 2012.
The project was the brainchild of Colonel Vincent Mdunge from the SAPS and Nikiwe Zungu from the Department of Health (EMRS). The aim of which was for these departments to give something back to the community by supporting the youth. Addressing issues that have a direct impact on the welfare and upbringing of a child is a priority to all those involved in this project. Creating an environment more conducive to learning will have a profound effect on how children view the world and how they develop later in life. What is learned in these development years can mould a child into growing up to become a productive member of society. The project is thus a worthy investment into our country's future.
Over the first two days SAPS personnel from the Ladysmith Cluster joined hands with personnel from the Department of Health (EMRS), the local community policing forum (CPF), the SAPS Airwing, the Ladysmith TRT unit and ABI to paint the inside and outside of the school in order to make the learning environment a safer and more enjoyable one for the 95 learners at the school.
On the final day a library was set up and stocked with books, while the crèche was supplied with educational toys for the children. This was followed by the official opening of the creche. During the opening the audience was treated to music played by the SAPS Band as well as the ABI music truck, while the Ladysmith K9 unit gave the excited children a small display. Food parcels were also distributed to the children and their families by EMRS personnel. The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni praised the officers for reaching out to the most destitute.
Thanks to generous support from businesses such as ABI, African Bank, Nareshni Nangaranathan from Shuter and Shooter (Pietermaritzburg), the AK Lockhat family from Durban, and AM Builders (Marianhill) the project was made possible.
Enquiries:
Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Mdunge
Tel: 031 325 6083/6084/6085
fax: 031 325 6087
Cell: 079 525 8062
Joint initiative by departments lead to makeover of Ladysmith school
