ssOur next School Library Project for May 2023:
Ebenezer JSS – Junior Secondary School
-
- Eastern Cape Province (1994 recognized state)
- Umgungundlovu Agricultural Authority – Tribal Region
- Bizana, Port Edward 4295
Ebenezer JSS was established in 1914 in temporary structures erected by the community so that their children could have somewhere to be educated. Over the years additional structures were built to meet enrollment, they are called blocks (for classrooms). Currently, this is a combined school with 27 teachers and approx. 900 + learners. The school is a Section 21 school meaning it is allocated finances by the department of education and is responsible for food purchases, books, maintenance, and all upkeep. Doesn’t receive additional funding throughout the year for incidental or repairs they wait till following year or fundraise.
Since the school opened its doors, it has been a place where all students in Eastern Cape and beyond are welcomed. This school is close to the border of KwaZulu-Natal and just a few kilometers into the Eastern Cape province which is an area were even today homes do not have running water or sanitation. It’s a vast area of farm dwellers. This area is very transient with people that travel through along a major highway connecting the different regions. Perhaps, stopping on their way to and from, looking for a way to make money or employment to cover cost for them to move to next location. The main employer in this region is a hotel resort, however income and hours worked is not enough to sustain a household as most jobs are part time. Since it is close to the border a lot of the domestic workers travel from this rural area to work in local homes in KZN, which also does not pay much. As a result, most people in this region live in poverty.
At Ebenezer JSS they are very strong academically. This is the main reason the school was selected to receive MERF donation, as we believe they will take care of the library and use it to inspire their learners to do better. They celebrate and embrace ethnic and cultural diversity. The teachers at the school encourage students to be curious and creative thinkers who respect themselves and others in their communication. Very strong disciplines are taught with zero tolerance for not following rules. Students must wear uniforms and always take pride in their appearance and dress neatly. Shoes should be kept clean and regularly polished. No student is allowed to be barefoot.
Stay tuned for monthly updates and construction progress photos.