Heatherdale School Project

Restoring the dignity of our public schools

When we think about quality education, our minds jump straight to the quality of learning. However, having access to quality education is much more than that. It should include safe and adequate teaching infrastructures as well as suitable recreational facilities and ablution facilities. Unfortunately, Heatherdale Primary School is not so fortunate.

Situated in the heart of Athlone an area rich in history, the primary school has created many memories for me. Among the blissful good old days, one thing that stuck with me throughout the years was the inadequate toilet facilities on the premises. It’s been 13 years since I’ve left this primary school and to my surprise, not much has changed since my recent visit.   

School hygiene impacts children’s learning abilities. Children already spend most of their time at school, so unhygienic and unsafe sanitation can pose many health risks, which can result in children missing school.

It’s disheartening to see that over the years, teachers have had to use their own finance to upgrade Heatherdale’s sanitation facilities. Having access to proper ablution facilities is a basic human right, yet so many children who attend this school don’t have access to it. How does a school whose motto is “Enter to learn, learn to serve”, adequately prepare its learners for the future when their basic needs are not met at school?

Respect, dignity and humaneness are only a few values encompassed in the spirit of Ubuntu. As the late Nelson Mandela said, “In Africa there is a concept known as ‘ubuntu’- the profound sense that we are human only through the humanity of others; that if we are to accomplish anything in this world, it will in equal measure be due to the work and achievement of others.”

For a country that has fought for democracy and that is based on the spirit of ubuntu, one would think that after so many years, we would be able to provide children with their basic needs. Yet so many of our public schools like Heatherdale Primary have fallen victim to inadequate education.

Wouldn’t any parent want his or her child to have access to safe and hygienic ablution facilities? With the right design, installation and small donations, learners at Heatherdale Primary school could have access to improved ablution facilities.

Let’s stand together in assisting the future generation. All donations made will be used to restore and renovate Heatherdale Primary School’s ablution facilities. Support the community by getting involved today.