Outies honour their own with Lesch Lab naming

GEORGE NEWS - With the opening of their new academic wing last Thursday, 29 February, Outeniqua Primary School honoured one of their learners who touched the hearts of the entire community during his battle with cancer. Duhan Lesch (13) died on 7 August 2021, in his Grade 7 year, after a seven-year battle with neuroblastoma cancer. His death shook many families who crossed paths with this brave young man.

"Our new academic building - The Lesch Lab - is dedicated to Duhan Lesch who will be remembered for his fighter spirit and heart of gold," said headmaster Dr Nico Venter during the opening ceremony at the school.

Duhan's mom, Monique, and his older sister Monia, were present to unveil the plaque in a heartfelt moment.

"This gesture is so symbolic," said one of the parents. "Outeniqua Primary builds a school around its children. It is not merely a school building with learners."

Duhan Lesch battled with cancer since his diagnosis in 2014. He died at the age of 13 on 7 August 2021 in his Grade 7 year. This photo was taken when he was in Grade 4.

On her Facebook page, Monique Lesch thanked Outeniqua Primary for the honour to let Duhan live on in their hearts and vision. "Thank you for every amazing person's hug, chat and tears of empathy throughout the evening, it just made us realise again, that we are not alone. Thank you for keeping Duhan's voice alive in your corridors and beautiful new centre of hope, growth and creativity. To every little voice that moves through that hallway and sees Duhan's name... 'Be a Duhan'. If you fall, get up, dust yourself off and try again. God has you!"

Monique Lesch, Duhan's mom, lifts the bright red ribbon from the plaque which bears the new academic wing's name - The Lesch Lab - named after her son. Stephan van der Merwe, chair of the school governing body, shares the moment.

The lower level can be divided into sections with glass sliding doors, or used as one big open space.

21st century skills

The new building replaces three asbestos classrooms, which had been in use for many years. The three classrooms are on the top floor of the two-storey building, with The Lesch Lab covering the lower level. The lower level can be divided into sections with glass sliding doors, or used as one big open space. It boasts interactive digital learning material, big-screen touch-sensitive televisions and surround sound.

"We still accomodate the same number of learners, but learning can now take place even more intentionally and meaningfully," said Venter. "The Lesch Lab will have a very strong focus on 21st century skills and make sure that learning at Outeniqua Primary School is relevant, meaningful and fun."

Headmaster Dr Nico Venter during the opening ceremony.