Engen collaborates with contractors to support Durban South schools
The project encompassed various improvements tailored to each school’s specific needs.
Engen recently joined forces with contractors from the Engen Marine Terminal, formerly known as Engen Refinery, in an effort to enhance the learning environments of six secondary schools in Merebank and Wentworth.
These institutions were identified by the Community-Engen Joint Committee as schools that were in need of support.
Recognising the importance of a conducive educational setting, the collaboration aimed to provide much-needed improvements to the school facilities, which included addressing maintenance issues, and supplying essential equipment.
The participating schools, Fairvale Secondary School, Umbilo Secondary School, Wentworth Secondary School, Ganges Secondary School, Merebank Secondary School, and PR Pather Secondary School, were identified based on their urgent needs, with principals of the schools highlighting how insufficient funding forces them to seek external support for crucial expenses.
One significant challenge faced by the schools was the pupils’ inability to pay school fees, often as a result of parents being unemployed, or being reliant on government support.
As part of the joint initiative, Engen and their partners also helped alleviate the financial burden for 11 matriculants, ensuring that they could focus on their final year of high school without any financial constraints.
Gavin Smith, Engen’s external communications manager, said, “We are grateful to our committed Engen Marine Terminal contractors, including Worley, TMS, Fabricon, and UIC, for their contributions of time and resources in completing the renovation work at these six schools. We firmly believe that these upgrades will play a small role in enhancing the learning environment for the pupils, paving the way for a brighter future.”
The project encompassed various improvements tailored to each school’s specific needs. At Fairvale Secondary School, the initiatives included resetting the gate motor battery in the motor mechanic workshop, securing workshop windows with mesh, and financially supporting the school fees for two matriculants.
Umbilo Secondary School received two JoJo tanks and two pumps, with plans for the upcoming installation of two air conditioners in the media centre. Additionally, the project procured six desktop computers for the media centre and covered school fees for two matriculants.
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Wentworth Secondary School benefited from a pump connection to the JoJo tank, ensuring a reliable water supply to toilets. The project also involved the replacement of 12 fire extinguishers and financial support for the school fees of two matriculants.
The improvements at Ganges Secondary School included the replacement of the Engen maths and science sign board, securing water pipes and wooden beams along the walkway, and procuring a data projector. Additionally, two pumps were installed in the JoJo tanks, and financial assistance was provided for the school fees of two matriculants.
The Merebank Secondary School improvements included the connection of a water pump to the municipality line for toilet water supply, the replacement of 15 classroom fans, and the replacement of a class B5 door and frame. The project also contributed to the payment of school fees for one matriculant.
Lastly, the enhancements at PR Pather Secondary School included the procurement of six desktop computers for the library room, the painting of the office area, replacing six outside taps with plastic taps, and procuring five soccer balls. Financial support was extended for the school fees of two matriculants.
The overall project, with a combined funding value of R550, 000 from Engen, TMS, Worley, UIC, and Fabricon, showcases a commitment to grassroots education and skills development.
Smith said the future of the country rests in the quality of education provided to the youth, which is why Engen is actively involved in making a positive difference. “This project contributes to the sustainable development goals specifically SDG 4, ensuring the right to quality education through basic needs by enabling pupils to focus on their studies and attend school with dignity. This is a further testament to Engen’s dedication to creating opportunities for underprivileged students to realise their potential through education,” Smith said.
