Publications
Partners
The South African National Parks (SANParks) officially handed over a fully equipped resource centre and library worth R1,5 million to the school as part of their CSI Social Legacy Project. The project focuses on community development in areas adjacent to the national parks.
The principal of Hout Bay Secondary School, Juan Julius’ excitement could not be contained when he told People’s Post how their new, state-of-the-art resource centre widened the school and its learners’ horizons.
This follows Monday 4 December when the South African National Parks (SANParks) officially handed over a fully equipped resource centre and library worth R1,5 million to the school as part of their CSI Social Legacy Project. The project focuses on community development in areas adjacent to the national parks.
Johan Taljaard, Region General Manager for SANParks in the Western Cape, said the refurbished resource centre is meant to improve the performance of the learners by helping them to engage better with their schoolwork.
“This investment at Hout Bay Secondary School has culminated in the equipping of an interactive resource centre and library, creating a comfortable, stimulating and supportive environment conducive to research, reading and quiet learning for nearly 1 000 learners between Grades 8 and 12.”
SANParks CSI Social Legacy Projects are implemented as part of their socio-economic development strategic objectives. Through cooperation with national government departments, much-needed facilities and services in communities bordering national parks are provided, which will have a lasting impact on communities.
“SANParks chose us out of hundreds of schools to be blessed with this centre that will enrich the lives of our learners,” Julius said.
“Our matriculants, most of whom come from difficult backgrounds, now have a dedicated spot where they may learn for their final exams in peace and safety.”
“Out of their own, these learners came together and established a committee and are already looking into ways funds may be raised to acquire more books and resources to strengthen the centre and keep it in mint condition. They have already drafted a policy to safeguard the centre,” Julius fondly boasted.
The resource centre is equipped with library books, some of which were sponsored by the Western Cape Department of Arts and Culture, laptops, a data projector, a smart TV, furniture and other resources required to make learning easier.
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has welcomed this much-needed donation to the school and will maintain the facility.
More schools around the country also received similar facilities linked to the programme in line with SANParks’ vision “A world-class system of sustainable National Park reconnecting and inspiring society”, added Taljaard.
Principal Julius went further to say that the school welcomes inquiries from the community for those seeking an opportunity as a skilled administrator or librarian to serve shifts at the resource centre.
“I urge any such individual to contact me directly via e-mail to juanjulius66@gmail.com or call me on 072 972 5838.”
