A conscious effort to uplift the youth at St Albans Primary School saw a R1.2m pledge being put into practice and culminated this week in the official handover of the fully refurbished school.
Since adopting the school in 2022, Isuzu Motors SA (IMSA) has undertaken several initiatives to improve learning conditions for the schools 407 pupils and 10 staff.
The initiatives, in partnership with humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers and the ELMA Relief Foundation, began with the installation of an industrial borehole and water harvesting tanks to provide clean drinking water.
In 2023, IMSA marked Mandela Day by pledging R1.2m towards critical refurbishments, addressing infrastructure challenges such as broken windows, doors, dilapidated classrooms and electrical issues.
Speaking at the handover event, IMSA's vice-president of planning, marketing and corporate affairs, Celestin Ndhlovu, said the promise had been fulfilled.
“Education is the foundation for our future, and it is our collective responsibility to create environments that enable learners to thrive.
“Through this partnership, we are not only improving facilities but also fostering hope and opportunity for the children of St Albans Primary School.”
Gift of the Givers undertook the renovation work, including classroom refurbishments, tiling, painting and the installation of electricity.
Gift of the Givers founder Dr Imtiaz Sooliman said the project reflects the power of collaboration and its impact on communities.
“Ensuring access to quality education and a safe learning environment is a key step in breaking the cycle of poverty," he said.
“Isuzu has also played a major role in mitigating the ongoing water crisis in the Eastern Cape by providing Gift of the Givers with four water tankers to deliver millions of litres of water to schools, clinics, hospitals, businesses and communities in multiple regions in the province.
“We are proud to work alongside Isuzu to create meaningful change.”
St Albans Primary School principal Mercy Felix said the newly refurbished facility will go a long way in helping to develop future generations.
“As we walk through these transformed hallways and classrooms, we feel a renewed sense of pride and motivation.
“It is with great joy and gratitude that we celebrate the incredible transformation of our school.
“What was once a vision has now become a reality — a beautiful, modern and inspiring learning environment that will benefit generations of learners to come,” Felix said.
Other stakeholders, including the Elma Relief Foundation and local businesses, have also contributed to making this initiative a success.
Ndhlovu said IMSA remained resolute in its commitment to education and social upliftment.
“The St Albans project serving as the latest example of its dedication to creating meaningful and lasting change in communities.”
The Herald
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