Livening up education

IN the heart of one of Cape

Town’s most affluent suburbs is an under-resourced section 21 school, Constantia Primary School.

For many years the pupils of this school had to make use of the school’s tarmac and parking area to play sports or an undeveloped sandy field.

Last year, the Weekend Argus reported that the school was in need of a proper sporting field.

The school’s new foundation phase playground was opened last week.

The playground, unveiled by the school and Sporting Chance, cost R162 000 and includes a new tricycle track, jungle gym, sandpit, four swings, 10 tricycles and AstroTurf.

Principal Alastair Adams said their goal was to provide a safe environment for their foundation phase pupils and to help them to develop holistically.

“Playgrounds are more than just fun places where our children can spend free time.

“They can help all kids, especially those with learning and attention issues and to develop important skills. Today’s kids get so few opportunities to play freely because we understandably fear for their safety,” said Adams, who believes the upgraded school playground is an important facility for children to play every day.

“This initiative provides children with leisure facilities to make primary education livelier. The safe playground immensely contributes to the children’s development,” he said.

Established in 1910, Constantia Primary School accommodates pupils from the area and surrounding areas including Westlake, Hout Bay, Philippi and Khayelitsha informal settlements.

Sporting Chance managing director Brad Bing said the initiative came about after the school received a synthetic sports pitch last year.

“After we put in the AstroTurf, I looked around and saw that the older children have something to look forward to at break time, but the foundation phase has nothing.

“My goal was to help the school with something for the younger pupils. People are genuine about making a difference in this country and they realise the importance of it,” he said.

PICTURE: AYANDA NDAMANE/ AFRICAN NEWS AGENCY (ANA) Principal Alastair Adams and pupils at the launch of the foundation phase playground upgrade at Constantia Primary School.