Electrifying partnership sparks hope for centre
Global consulting, engineering, procurement and construction company Black & Veatch, in partnership with non-profit organisation Caring for Orphans in Rural Areas (CORA) and Sun Partners International (SPI), recently launched the newly electrified Nompumelelo Learning Centre.
The upgraded centre is located near the Python Park and consists of classrooms, a kitchen, courtyard and play area for 35 orphaned children between the ages of three and five years old.
The fully electrified centre enables CORA to prepare better meals for the children. The children can also continue learning during times when there is poor natural light, while the community can utilise the facility after hours.
Black & Veatch sub-Saharan Africa branch vice-president Keith Small said they are excited and humbled by the electrification effort.
“Nompumelelo’s electrification reflects Black & Veatch’s proven approach – bringing together our professionals and key partners from around the world to plan and implement both small- and mega-scale projects,” he said.
CORA founder Kathy Schultz said one of the organisation’s main objectives has always been to enhance and empower the children and communities they work with.
“The introduction of solar power at our Nompumelelo Centre is going to change lives and level the playing fields in no small way.”