It's hard to believe, but Operation OUTreach, the charity campaign orchestrated by OUTsurance and Algoa FM, recently completed its fourth project of the year, the restoration of Walmer High School in Port Elizabeth.
The school is situated in Walmer Township, which was established over 100 years ago, making it one of the oldest areas in Port Elizabeth. It is also one of the poorest areas in the city, with high levels of unemployment, HIV/AIDS and crime. Nearly 80,000 people reside in Walmer Township, with most residents living in informal dwellings which are devoid of the most basic facilities.
The project's initial goal was to upgrade Walmer High School's hall into a community centre, which would provide the school with a new source of revenue, while also acting as a safe haven for the pupils and the community. However, through the initiative of Builders Warehouse Port Elizabeth, the goal became much greater.
Builders Warehouse undertook to upgrade the entire school, and via Operation OUTreach, members of the public were called upon to donate various educational equipment. Algoa FM also urged listeners to drop off warm clothing and bedding at Builders Warehouse, from where it would be delivered to the school for distribution amongst the community.
As for the school itself, while building supplies were provided by Builders Warehouse to convert the hall into a community centre, the company also donated materials for the restoration of doors, door frames, and windows. The pupils were also provided with various artisan skills, in that they were educated on how install fit doors and windows, as well as electrical and light fittings. A continuation of the empowering process is the guarantee from Builders Warehouse that various pupils aged sixteen and above would be hired by the company to work over weekends and public holidays.
The official handover ceremony took place on the 7th of September 2007, and it was clear for everyone present that there had already been a remarkable improvement in the appearance of the school. Featured on display at the ceremony were a few of the items donated by the public, such as various computers, a DVD player, a television, a complete encyclopaedia set and a fax machine. Accepting the goods on behalf of the school was principle Mr Dyani, who was hugely appreciative of the contributions made by OUTsurance, Builders Warehouse, and Algoa FM.
While plenty of hard work still lies ahead, Operation OUTreach, together with Builders Warehouse, has planted the seed which will no doubt enable Walmer High School to grow from strength to strength.