For the first time since opening its doors some 67 years ago Uitvlug Primary School, a small farm school, in Swellendam, Western Cape, was able to offer a Grade-7 class this year. Moreover, it has been announced that a further expansion will mean the 2024 academic year will kick-off with its first Grade R class. This addition will ensure children from the neighbouring farms, who previously weren’t able to access school before Grade 1, will now have a chance to begin their education earlier, in preparation for their formal schooling.
Working alongside the Department of Basic Education, the nearby Excelsior Wind energy facility is the funder of the upgrades of Uitvlug Primary School, which include the additional mobile classrooms complete with all the necessary fittings. Additionally, the department has provided furniture and learning materials and the provision of an educator for the Grade 7 class from the local community.
Expressing her joy, Uitvlug Primary School Governing Body chair Juanita Krieger commented: “Excelsior Wind has created an opportunity that we have dreamt about for many years. We are extremely excited about giving our children the opportunity to complete their primary school education from their home communities. We have even received applications from learners who had previously dropped out of school due to the financial implications of having to change schools at the end of Grade 6, and we are thrilled they have a second chance at completing primary school at Uitvlug Primary.”
These infrastructure upgrades are expected to draw more families from the local town, recognising the quality of education on offer. Once both its Grade 7 and Grade R classrooms are in operation the school will be able to accommodate between 50 and 70 learners, compared to the previous maximum of approximately 30 learners.