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Donation of almost R1.6 million provides new consumer studies classrooms for two schools
For two Cape Town schools, the heart of their school is truly back in their kitchens, thanks to a donation of just under R1.6 million from GrandWest to upgrade their Consumer Studies classrooms.
Focus College
Focus College in the heart of Wynberg, hosts learners from disadvantaged communities in surrounding areas. Grade 8 to 12s who cannot find placement at other schools, or who cannot cope in the mainstream, are placed at the College.
The school was still using the original consumer studies practical room dating back to 2012 with its outdated stoves and fridges. In addition to a general upgrade and modern catering equipment, one of the most important elements of the R780 000 refurbishment was upgrading the electrical system. Now learners can focus on learning the art of cooking without worrying about electrical disasters.
Forest Heights
GrandWest invested over R724 000 to Forest Heights High School to provide a desperately needed fresh, clean and safe space for learners taking Consumer Studies.
Forest Heights High School accommodates 1299 learners in Grades 8 to 12, from the Eerste River area as well as from Mfuleni and Khayelitsha. The problems in each of these areas is similar, and conditions at the school are exacerbated by a lack of funding.
Although Forest Heights is a fee-paying school, unemployment is high and most families live off social grants. Parents are unable to pay their children’s school fees which impacts financial liquidity for resources.
Over the years, the classroom has seen heavy use, and unfortunately, time had taken a toll on the equipment and infrastructure. The stoves, which have been in use many years, reached the end of their lifespan. The heat, steam, and constant usage also had a significant impact on the countertops and overall condition of the room. As a result, the room no longer provided a safe and functional space for learning.
Consumer studies was part of the curriculum when the school first opened in 1993. The number of learners taking classes has increased and with the growing popularity of food as a career it has become a subject that students now want to take.
Mervyn Naidoo, General Manager of GrandWest said, “Food has become an exciting career choice. Many youngsters now want to learn about food to follow in the footsteps of chefs who have become household names. At GrandWest our chefs are a crucial part of our business, so we are delighted to be able to give both Focus College and Forest Heights High School a modern, fully equipped and safe space in which to train our chefs of the future, or to instil a love of cooking that they will passed on through families.”