Crumbling infrastructure, vandalism and crime have held many schools in the province by the scruff of the neck however the newly built Nkululeko Senio Secondary School in KwaNobuhle in Kariega, boasts a state-of-the-art building that is protected by security guards and cameras.
Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane, Nelson Mandela Bay deputy mayor Bablwa Lobishe and school principal Sizwe Stokwe were among the entourage of dignitaries who were part of the flag hoisting ceremony as well as the official handover of the school where they were welcomed by a band, school choir and guard of honour.
Grey, blue and white colours flew above the premier as he announced that the long wait for a fully functional high school, was finally over.
Stokwe says the previous building in which they taught, was crumbling and did not have toilet facilities. "In this new building, we are safe, have toilets and are protected from crime."
The R81 million facility boasts a science and computer lab, multi-purpose classrooms, a nutrition centre, a netball court and an administration block.
Furthermore, the upgraded facility also has high-security features including fencing, a guard house and safe rooms.
Mabuyane sang praises for the school and said: "One can never go wrong when investing in education." He also implored the community to hold hands with the community policing forum to ensure that the school does not fall prey to criminals and criminal activities.
"A school is left in the hands of the school governing body, school management and the community therefore, the community needs to play an active part in ensuring that that it is not a hub for criminals. This school also gives the community a facelift because it is a beacon of hope for our leaders of the future."
A grade 11 learner who braved the old school building says, the day has been a dream come true. "Our hope and dreams have been restored. We now look forward to coming to school because of these new facilities. The new school has rules and encourages us to want to give our best at all times," says Asive Tenke
