Ten mobile classes delivered in Dedeni Primary school

Ululations, clapping of hands and dancing occurred at Dedeni Primary school in Lusikisiki, north of Port St Johns, when the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDOE) delivered 10 mobile classes and toilets early this month.

This occurred after an NGO called Umanyano Lwabaphulaphuli shared pictures of the mud school on social networks in June.

At the time, Umanyano’s coordinator, Modi Maqabaza, told Elitsha newspaper that he saw this school when he was passing some bushes going to the nearest village in Lusikisiki and he thought it was an abandoned home.

He said he was shock and surprised when he saw that the collapsing mud houses was a school.

Elitsha published the story about this mud school in early June, in which Eastern Cape parents take matters in their own hands and build a school.

Since then the ECDOE has delivered fencing, 10 mobile classrooms and 10 toilets. However the school still lacks a clean water supply and furniture.

Learners, parents and teachers at this school said they are happy to have decent classrooms after 10 years of waiting, longing and hoping.

Elitsha spoke to some of the teachers who preferred to remain anonymous.

One of the teachers said, “I’m so happy the Department has finally decided to recognise us as an existing school. It’s been more than 10 years trying to get their attention sending emails begging for a school with no response. At last they have delivered and as a school we are so grateful.”

She said that when the classrooms were delivered she was singing, dancing and could not stop showing how joyful she was. The learners are already using the classrooms.

“Every one was so happy, including our learners. Some were clapping hands; we were all over the moon with joy,” she said. She thanked the ECDOE and Umanyano Lwabaphulaphuli for sharing the story.

SGB chairperson Mzingisi Bomela said he and all parents are happy with the mobile classrooms. Without any support from the government, parents were getting tired of fixing the school every year .

“Anyone passing Dedeni now can see it is a school, not some abandoned houses,” he said.

Bomela said as parents they will protect the school property.

“The only issue left now is clean water and furniture for the teachers. Our children are drinking water from the river and we would be much happy if the Department of Education can provide us with tanks,” he said.

Umanyano Lwabaphulaphuli coordinator, Modi Maqabaza, said he is happy the ECDOE has finally listened to them and took action.

“When I was told that the Department has delivered the classes and toilets including a fence I made sure that I go to Dedeni, I wanted to see them myself,” said Maqabaza.

Inside the classroom at Dedeni Primary. Pic supplied

With the help of Camdekon Engineers, Umanyano Lwabaphulaphuli is planning to add a brick block and the foundations have already been laid.

ECDOE spokesperson, Malibongwe Mtima, said sending mobile classes to Dedeni Primary School and toilets had been in the pipeline of the Department. The issue of furniture and a water service is being addressed.

“New furniture will be delivered soon and as for water we have informed the local municipality to look into it,” he said.