A few years ago, Arrow Altech Distribution (AAD) set its sights on finding a sustainable socio-economic development project that would have a major impact on a community close to the company’s location and subsequently decided to aid the Primrose Junior Primary School in Germiston.
AAD began its association with the school in October 2006 when its socio-economic development (SED) committee identified Ekurhuleni Primary School, as it was then called, as its sole development project. The school was a satellite campus for primary school learners of the Ekurhuleni Primary School’s main campus some 10 km away. The previously disused building was however in such a poor state that it faced closure by the Department of Education.
Closure would have resulted in approximately 300 children from a nearby informal settlement not being able to attend school. Travelling to the school’s main campus was not a feasible alternative as these children’s families did not have the means to pay for the resultant transport costs. AAD adopted the satellite campus, made meaningful upgrades to the school’s infrastructure, and saved it from closure.
As a result of re-organisation by the Department of Education in 2009, the school now falls under the auspices of the nearby Primrose Primary School and it has consequently changed its name to Primrose Junior Primary School.
Phase 1 of the project entailed replacing dilapidated diamond mesh fences with concrete walls and installing an access control system for security purposes. Leaking ceilings were repaired, plumbing was upgraded, bathrooms were refurbished, classrooms were repainted and furnished, doors and locks were fixed and the playground was upgraded.
AAD is currently attending to phase 2 of the project which includes improving the teachers’ staff room for meeting purposes, upgrading security, supplying necessary equipment such as overhead projectors and a laptop for the deputy principal and installing carpets so the learners can enjoy story time on the floor.
Human resources manager at AAD, Shaneez Jamaludien, says, “AAD wanted an education related project in line with the strategy of the ICT industry and government of ‘bridging the digital divide’. Our original idea was to supply a computer centre and related equipment to a deserving cause. We soon realised that this school had so many other more critical basic needs that we decided to improve the infrastructure of the school building first. AAD’s ultimate goal once the school’s basic needs have been met is to play a part in the learners eventually choosing to study an ICT-related course, thus equipping them to become potential future employees of the Altech group. We also did not want to dilute our efforts by sponsoring numerous SED projects. We would rather spend our entire available budget on this development alone in order to achieve maximum impact for the school.”
According to AAD general manager: Supplier Marketing & Business Development, Andre du Preez, AAD will continue sponsoring and supporting Primrose Junior Primary School on a medium- to long-term basis as there is no timeline for the company’s involvement. He says, “We have been humbled by the experience, are proud of our association with the school and are encouraged by the good work carried out by the teachers as well as the learners. We very much appreciate receiving a letter from the school manager that extends their sincere gratitude for the financial assistance we rendered.” A short excerpt reads: ‘….Your generosity has made it possible for us to establish a fully functional school, a safe haven of learning and nurturing where all who attend are grateful for the tangible difference you have made to the success of this venture.’
For more information contact Shaneez Jamaludien, Arrow Altech Distribution, +27 (0)11 923 9600, [email protected], www.arrow.altech.co.za
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