Kids just love their improved facilities at Ikamva School
Sonia Wahl
In the uMasizakhe settlement, the Progressive Ikamva Protective Workplace, a small school for children with intellectual disabilities, began its journey with modest origins. However, a significant change occurred last year, spearheaded by Alex Coggins and Jacques Hare, who teach English to Chinese students online. They identified a crucial need to ensure students' well-being during the winter holidays, particularly concerning food security. They shared the school's concerns with their students, leading to a heart-warming display of solidarity. Chinese students and their parents rallied together, pooling their resources to provide meals for those in need. This initiative marked the beginning of ongoing support from the students and the local community.
Recognising the deteriorating conditions of the school's classroom, a second fundraising effort was launched for renovations, garnering support from local businesses and organisations, including Graaff-Reinet Hardware, Tyremart, TAC, the Plascon head office and the electrician, Roy Petitt Services, who gave them a significant discount. With these funds, the structural issues, electrical hazards and other necessary improvements were addressed.
A third fundraiser focused on electrical safety, aiming to properly earth the entire building to maintain the children's access to social grants from the Department of Welfare, as there are stipulated requirements. The completion of these projects has significantly improved the school's facilities and enhanced the students' learning experience.
The positive impact of these efforts has been evident, with enrollment increasing from 16 to 23 students. Centre manager Andrew Hermans, who took over from Mrs Masuku, the founder of Ikamva, has been teaching the children since 2010 and notes the improved morale and enthusiasm among both students and tutors. According to Coggins and Hare, the school will be lost without Hermans as his dedication and commitment reflects his passion for teaching these students. "He absolutely is the soul of this school; his love for the children is reflected in everything that he does in his daily activities with them," says Hare.
Those wishing to contribute can contact Jacques Hare directly on 071 150 9284 or send inquiries via email to trinitysec@ gmail.com. To continue supporting the school's mission, they are inviting interested individuals to the annual general meeting on 24 April at 10:00 at the uMasizakhe Methodist Church.
Progressive Ikamva Protective Workplace's NPO number is 158 350.
Previous article in the Advertiser:
Ikamva blessed from China | Graaff-Reinet Advertiser (graaffreinetadvertiser.com)
July Gwampi, a local from Graaff-Reinet, celebrated a significant milestone on 12 April - his 110th birthday. Born in Elliot, Eastern Cape, to parents Baskiti and Nodathini, Gwampi's life has been one of simplicity and hard work. Growing up, he tended to cattle and sheep instead of attending school, a common practice in his time. In his youth, Gwampi ventured to Johannesburg to work in the gold mines, where he spent countless hours underground. Later, he contributed to road construction projects between Ingcobo and Elliot. Settling in Cradock, Gwampi worked on various farms, including Grootklip, where he lost an eye in a work-related accident. Facing the challenges, he persevered. Gwampi's family life reflects his commitment to tradition. Though not formally married, he was married traditionally. He and his wife raised six children together, instilling in them values of respect and honesty. Gwampi lives with his grandson Mangaliso "Gigi" Nondlazi and partner Nolufefe Nyatela. Despite facing health issues like blindness, high blood pressure, asthma and skin irritations, Gwampi remains strong and independent. Affectionately known as "Gabshin" to his grandson, Gwampi reminisces about his youth spent playing in the forests of Ingcobo, engaging in stick fights, and foraging for herbs. Gwampi's remarkable milestone speaks to resilience and the simple joys of family and community.
When the Advertiser visited Gwampi at his home and asked him how it felt to be
110 years old, he had a moment of silence, paused and replied in a soft voice,"That is a lot of years."
Andrew Hermans has been teaching the children since 2010 and notes the improved morale and enthusiasm among both students and tutors.