News / Local
Project Salibonani Bulawayo sends 'classroom in a container' to Zimbabwe
20 Nov 2014 at 13:06hrs | Views
Back row, from left: South Tyneside College governor Les Watson, Alison Maynard, Principal - South Tyneside Professional and Vocational College, Eddie Beckett, South Tyneside Colleges Estates Manager, and musician Ken Hewitt. Front row: Drue Walsh, South Tyneside Colleges Student Union Vice Presid
A CLASSROOM like no other aims to throw open the doors to new education opportunities for thousands of people in Africa.
South Tyneside College is packing a "classroom in a container" and sending it to Zimbabwe to rejuvenate a once-thriving community school.
Project Salibonani Bulawayo aims to fill a giant metal storage unit with used laptops and PCs, printers, desks, chairs, books and musical instruments to replenish the youth contact centre in Bulawayo.
It is among steps being taken to return the centre, which was a model of success with about 700 students - reduced to 40 after years of neglect - to former glory.
The push is being led by college governor Les Watson, 63, who taught there for six weeks in 1989 and enjoyed follow-up visits in the early 1990s, but witnessed its decline during a return trip this summer.
So determined is the retired Audit Commission inspector to bring about change that he has become the vice-chairman of a new management board of three, who have established a fresh constitution and business plan.
Former maths teacher Mr Watson, of West Boldon, said: "The centre has great potential. I appeal to people to support this initiative by donating educational items they no longer need or use. When I taught there it was flourishing and well managed, with hundreds of students receiving vital education.
"But when I went back this year things had changed. There was no paint on the walls, no toilets and very little equipment. It was sad to see, but now there is again real hope – we have already stopped the rot.
"The foundations for recovery are in place. We have introduced stability and are looking to the future, and this project will greatly help to again make the centre a thriving place."
North East businesses are being urged to fund costs of up to £7,000 for the purchase of the container and transportation fees, and schools and individuals are being asked to donate surplus equipment. The college has already donated chairs and desks, and the first laptops have been given.
Project supporters include North- East jazz saxophonist Ken Hewitt, 53, from Jarrow, who is appealing for donations of equipment, including interphasers and speakers, so that YCC can set up a music studio.
Mr Watson hopes the container will be filled and ready to ship the near 5,500 miles to Zimbabwe by the spring. Anyone able to help Project Salibonani Bulawayo can contact Carol Dickinson at South Tyneside College on carol.dickinson@stc.ac.uk or call 427 3506.
Twitter @shieldsgazette
South Tyneside College is packing a "classroom in a container" and sending it to Zimbabwe to rejuvenate a once-thriving community school.
Project Salibonani Bulawayo aims to fill a giant metal storage unit with used laptops and PCs, printers, desks, chairs, books and musical instruments to replenish the youth contact centre in Bulawayo.
It is among steps being taken to return the centre, which was a model of success with about 700 students - reduced to 40 after years of neglect - to former glory.
The push is being led by college governor Les Watson, 63, who taught there for six weeks in 1989 and enjoyed follow-up visits in the early 1990s, but witnessed its decline during a return trip this summer.
So determined is the retired Audit Commission inspector to bring about change that he has become the vice-chairman of a new management board of three, who have established a fresh constitution and business plan.
"But when I went back this year things had changed. There was no paint on the walls, no toilets and very little equipment. It was sad to see, but now there is again real hope – we have already stopped the rot.
"The foundations for recovery are in place. We have introduced stability and are looking to the future, and this project will greatly help to again make the centre a thriving place."
North East businesses are being urged to fund costs of up to £7,000 for the purchase of the container and transportation fees, and schools and individuals are being asked to donate surplus equipment. The college has already donated chairs and desks, and the first laptops have been given.
Project supporters include North- East jazz saxophonist Ken Hewitt, 53, from Jarrow, who is appealing for donations of equipment, including interphasers and speakers, so that YCC can set up a music studio.
Mr Watson hopes the container will be filled and ready to ship the near 5,500 miles to Zimbabwe by the spring. Anyone able to help Project Salibonani Bulawayo can contact Carol Dickinson at South Tyneside College on carol.dickinson@stc.ac.uk or call 427 3506.
Twitter @shieldsgazette
Source - shieldsgazette
