Gift of the Givers and partners give Paterson High wings
● Seven new classrooms, astroturf, netball court and new borehole system handed over to Bay school
It was a Wednesday like no other for Paterson High School pupils as Gift of the Givers handed over four completed infrastructure projects to the beacon of hope on the hill.
Rising from the ashes of a fire which gutted a wing of the Schauderville, Gqeberha, school in 2015 are seven new classrooms, worth R4m, an astroturf and netball court as well as a new borehole system.
Gift of the Givers founder Dr Imtiaz Sooliman visited the school in October last year after the borehole was sunk and recognised the other needs at Paterson.
Donor partners Exxaro Mining and Renewable Energy Company financed the construction of the classrooms, the turf and court was sponsored by TotalEnergies while Avery Dennison assisted with the borehole.
At the handover of the project, Gift of the Givers Foundation director Badr Kazi said the school’s rich history could be felt in its corridors.
“There is some sort of energy that transcends the walls of the school,” Kazi said. “I am so elated and emotive about it that you are carrying the torch.
“Thanks to Warren [Pearce] whose company [Avery Dennison] sponsored the borehole system when there was a water issue.
“Thanks to TotalEnergies for what they have done.
“Mental health is a very important issue for pupils.
“Proper sports facilities are a very good avenue for pupils to express themselves and get rid of their angst and worries.
“Whatever support Gift of the Givers and our sponsors can give in the future, we will try our best to support you.
“Just keep up the good work.”
Paterson High principal Rose de Doncker said the school was grateful for what the humanitarian organisation and its partners had done.
“Paterson has risen from the ashes where it has been.
“Please know that at our school we are not saying that lack of resources will be an excuse not to do things.
“We are driven. We are a team that is hell-bent on making a difference in the lives of children and in so doing a difference in the community.
“Paterson High will remain a beacon of hope on the hill,” she said.
Nelson Mandela Bay district education director Ernest Gorgonzola said De Doncker’s energy spoke volumes.
“When you want something, you are so determined. Nobody can say no to you.”
Gorgonzola said he was impressed by the school’s collaboration with Gift of the Givers.
“The education department acknowledges and sees what you are doing. We acknowledge your partners.
“This is the foundation for how education can be built.
“With partnerships like this, we are able to sustain what we have and renew what we have.
“This is the basis of how we want to be assisted in the different schools,” he said.