The teachers of Fisantekraal Primary School face immense challenges on a daily basis: From classrooms with an average of 40 children, some of whom struggle with a variety of severe emotional issues, to working with little or no resources (like the lack of stationery and reading books!).
To work in a loving and kind way with vulnerable children, realising that you have the ability to have a meaningful impact on their lives, all while leaving your own problems at home – not an easy feat! These are people with big hearts.
We felt compelled to give support and show appreciation to the 19 teachers by creating a space that not only makes them feel good, but offers a momentary escape for a cup of coffee, a functional place to sit and work and one that is properly equipped for large meetings or workshops.
Their current staff room just wasn’t doing the job, particularly since the limited space called for such varied functionality… And so our Mandela Day (18 July 2022) project was born: the refurbishment of the Fisantekraal Primary School staff room!
As usual, the task at hand felt daunting for our limited budget (we like to dream BIG!)... Thankfully, also as usual, our paths crossed with some amazing people: Enter Llewellyn from Llewellyn Williams Ceilings & Partitions. Not only did he donate 20 desk tops and drawer units, but he went out of his way to deliver it all to us! Llewellyn, you are a true earth angel and your compassion has left us speechless!
With Llewellyn’s generous donation, we were able to install a much needed worktop along the length of the staff room wall. We also created a fabulous little coffee corner, complete with new mugs and all the essentials (including a full cookie jar!) for a restful break. Our heartfelt thanks to Alex from The Modest Toolbox, for his expert installation as well as all the beautiful donated pallet wood decor items!
A wonderful donation by Helen Kempton Jones formed the basis of an inviting sitting corner to relax in. We only had to add some tub chairs and fun log “coffee tables”. We also added fresh new curtains, sewed by our favourite seamstress, Anette. We adore the gorgeous material that we used to spruce up the pin board! And of course, being ‘green people’, we finally added some plants to complete the look.
To our delight, fellow NPO Mercy Aids stepped in and donated 20 sleek, modern chairs - the cherry on top! With years of hands-on work in the Fisantekraal area, Kay and Barbara understand the challenges that these teachers face, and their support is invaluable!
After days of hard work, we are so proud of the new and improved staff room! Not only is it now a functional space, catering to the staff’s physical needs, but it is also an inviting, attractive, safe haven, nurturing their emotional wellbeing too.
The reaction and gratitude shown by the principal and staff members was priceless, making all the hard work so worth it!
BEFORE:
DURING:
AFTER:
Some gorgeous pallet wood details (donated by The Modest Toolbox) really add warmth to the space! The hearts can be taken down to use as hot plates or platters during functions.
The new worktop was an essential addition for staff to work at, as well as a handy place to pack out platters during workshops.
The charming relaxation corner!
What a difference a bit of beautiful cloth can make... We adore this design, and it is so completely suited for our big-hearted teachers!
The new chairs have arrived and look sensational!!! Thank you, Mercy Aids!
The dream team: Corinne and Juanita from The One Percent Movement, flanking Alex from The Modest Toolbox.
Please consider donating towards our valuable work:
The One Percent Movement
FNB 62924632749 (Gold Business)
Branch: 250655
Swift code: FIRNZAJJ
If you would like more information on our current projects or want to get involved, please contact Juanita Berry:
juanita@essentiallynatural.co.za
073 274 1915
