Hundreds of community members gathered on Thursday to celebrate the official opening of the new mega Phathilizwe Junior Secondary School at Willowvale in the Eastern Cape.
The new state-of-the-art school has been constructed to merge six different schools in the same area, into a single mega primary school because of the low enrolment of learners in each of the schools.
In 2017, the Department of basic Education selected Phathilizwe Junior Secondary School to serve as the hub for a mega school merger, accommodating learners from six different school. The school now can accommodate 1,200 learners from Grade R to 7.
The R118 million project, which forms part of the Accelerated School Infrastructure Development initiative, boasts a range of modern facilities designed to enhance the learning environment.
The upgraded facilities include 15 state-of--the-art classrooms, a library, computer lab, library, modern toilets, playground, guard house, a water harvesting system and security fencing and multi-purpose hall.
During the opening ceremony, MEC for Education, Fundile Gade donated 100 pairs of school shoes to vulnerable learners, promoting dignity and equality education.
"Today marks a new beginning for education in this community. Phathilizwe Junior Secondary School is not only a building, but a symbol of the future we are building for our children. The state-of-the-art facilities will provide an environment where learners can thrive, grow, and become the leaders of tomorrow,“ said Gade.
IOL