“Masiphumelele” is a Xhosa word for “success” and for the 100-odd children at the Chasmay Road preschool, success seemed that much closer last week.
They have new play areas and gardens thanks to R600 000 from the Rotary Club of Claremont and support from Masicorp.
A revamped parking area, an improved water drainage system, and re-roofed buildings also make the school – which was established in 2016 – compliant with requirements for funding from the Western Cape Education Department.
On Wednesday, March 27, children, parents, and teachers alike celebrated the transformation.
The project took two months to complete. “When we first got onto this site, there was a massive water problem. It was a literally a swimming pool in the one corner,” said Rotarian David Grant.
“We put in water tanks to catch the rainwater coming off the rooftops. Masicorp provided the AstroTurf and it was a miracle seeing the children’s first steps to test out the AstroTurf. It didn’t take long for the shoes and socks to come off, and they have the best time on it,” he said.
School principal Lindi Hangana said the children were thrilled with the changes. “They are just running around, very excited. The teachers are also very excited,” she said.
“Our greatest mission is to offer the children of Masiphumelele a good quality education.”
