GEORGE NEWS - Although the recent rain was welcomed by locals, the aftermath of the downpour clearly showed why St Paul's Primary School desperately reached out for help. And now, after many empty promises over the years to help with the maintenance of their school came to nothing, assistance is finally on its way.

It all came to a head when the school's administrator, Mrs Leigh Brinkhuis, heard that Kfm was broadcasting live from George as part of their Garden Route tour. She sneaked out during assembly - which is held in the school's courtyard - to go and make a last bid for help to have improvements made, above all to the very spot where the learners were gathered. Her plea for help was heard and within minutes, businessman Neil De Beer from SJ Construction phoned in to say he was the man for the job.

De Beer confirmed to the George Herald that he was taking the lead in "this project at the heart of the community" with an opportunity "to give back a bit.

"The idea is to get together with other local companies to make a difference not only in this school, but wherever else the community needs help: "It will be like a home makeover - George edition," De Beer joked.
And a makeover is exactly what the courtyard, walkways and sport field desperately need. The classrooms also need some attention, as many windows no longer open and the floorboards are in a poor state after many years of use.

School principal Mr P Titus lauds the efforts of the Western Cape Education Department, the Anglican Church (who own the school building), and the school's teachers and parents. "The Education Department tries hard to help us" says Titus, admitting that he understands that it is not possible for his school to have all sorts of "luxuries." He is just interested in having the basic facilities for approximately 600 learners. These would include decent classrooms with windows that open, safe walkways, protection from the elements and a usable sport field.

Most of the school's youngsters live in rural areas on the outskirts of George. Many are already waiting for buses at 05:30, so the plate of food they receive from the school's feeding scheme during the day is most welcome. This scheme is operated out of a small room, a state of affairs that Brinkhuis admits she would also love to see changed. The main reason she approached Kfm in the first place, Brinkhuis says, was to "make this school a happy place for the kids."

De Beer visited the school last week to determine the school's construction needs and promised to submit a plan outlining his findings to the school in the near future. He encouraged other businesses and individuals who are interested in participating in this makeover, to contact Veronica at 044 889 0012.


St Paul’s Primary School’s assembly area resembled a swimming pool after the recent rain.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: LEEANNE PRATT, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST