Community partners come together for Sonstraaltjies ECD roof-wetting in Hawston
Fri, Nov 15 2024
CCPB and Rotary partners fund new roof at Sonstraaltjies ECD, enabling safe learning and WCED registration.
Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages (CCPB), the Rotary Clubs of Hermanus and Newlands, and the Enlighten Education Trust will mark the completion of a major infrastructure project at Sonstraaltjies ECD in Hawston on Thursday, 21 November 2024 with a traditional roof-wetting ceremony.
This project saw the safe removal and replacement of the ECD’s old asbestos roof, ensuring that Sonstraaltjies can meet health and safety standards for re-registration with the Department of Basic Education.
The existing asbestos roof presented safety and health risks for the young children and teaching staff, and through the Rotary network and Enlighten Education Trust, CCPB assisted with the funding of a new roof structure.
“We are proud to have played a part in creating a safer environment for the children at Sonstraaltjies,” said Priscilla Urquhart, Head of Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability at CCPB.
“Supporting community-based education initiatives like this aligns with our commitment to making a lasting, positive impact.”
The project was a collective effort, with CCPB and the Newlands Rotary Club contributing R290,000 towards the total project cost of R500,000. The Hermanus Rotary Club also provided R53,000 for vital internal repairs. The new roof now meets all necessary health and safety requirements, allowing Sonstraaltjies to proceed with its re-registration process.
In May this year, CCPB also supported seven ECDs in Zwelihle and Hawston to become compliant and register with the Western Cape Department of Education. These ECDs were falling short of compliance requirements and critically, accessing funding available to operate as a much-needed community support service.
A small team from CCPB, Rotary Club Newlands and Rotary Club of Hermanus, and Enlighten Education Trust spent the day visiting the four ECDs in Zwelihle and three in Hawston to hand over the items required for compliance.
The facilities look after 225 children in total and were given items that included mattresses, first-aid kits, signage for the centres, and fire-safety equipment. It was then that the Sonstraaltjies roofing issue was highlighted and CCPB committed to funding this replacement.
“The commitment shown by our partners in funding this project highlights the importance of ensuring that early childhood development (ECD) centres can operate safely and effectively,” commented Natalie Scholtz, President of the Hermanus Rotary Club.
“We are now focused on raising the remaining R220,000 needed for the next phase of repairs, which will include new eaves, veranda ceilings, internal and external painting, and the replacement of facia walls.”
Rodney Nissen, Project Manager at Enlighten Education Trust, added, “Projects like these exemplify the power of community collaboration. The safe, upgraded facilities at Sonstraaltjies will provide a nurturing environment for young children to learn and grow, setting a strong foundation for their future.”
Media Invitation:- Members of the media are invited to attend the roof-wetting ceremony at Sonstraaltjies Creche in Hawston on 21 November 2024 at 11:00.
- To confirm attendance, please contact irene@alkemi.global.
Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages (CCPB) is the local bottler and distributor of The Coca-Cola Company in the Western and Northern Cape. Products and brands include Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Stoney, Appletiser, Powerade, Bonaqua, PowerPlay, and Monster Energy amongst others. CCPB has been operational for more than 80 years, having first opened for business in 1940. Their state-of-the-art bottling facility is based in Parow Industria, with six distribution centres and offices located around the CCPB region. For more information, visit www.peninsulabeverage.co.za and follow @CocaColaPenBev on social media to stay updated on company news.
Rotary Club of NewlandsRotary Club of Newlands, has a seventeen-year track record of identifying opportunities for sustainable, worthwhile, social infrastructure projects in the Western Cape. Now over 30 community build projects have been completed with R60 m raised by community-minded corporates, trusts, foundations, and individuals.
The Enlighten Education Trust
Enlighten Education Trust strives to 'improve every aspect of education' in the Overstrand region through teacher upskilling and direct services to children. https://enlighten.org.za/
Issued by Alkemi Collective on behalf of Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages