Flooded KZN school saved from shutting down, thanks to MANCOSA

FLOODED KZN SCHOOL SAVED FROM SHUTTING DOWN, THANKS TO MANCOSA

MANCOSA, a private higher education institution is living up to its founder’s philosophy of providing education for life by tending to the needs of disadvantaged schools.

The late Professor Yusuf Karodia, who revolutionised private higher education in South Africa with the founding of distance learning institution MANCOSA, was also a great philanthropist.

Apart from replacing cost-prohibitive higher education with affordability and access, Professor Karodia launched the “Million Books Project” which aims to provide more than a million books to school children across South Africa through mobile libraries.

While the reading outreach programme is continuing, MANCOSA has also contributed to other needs at some schools.

Following the recent floods that caused devastation across KwaZulu-Natal, the Dr Macken Mistry Primary School in Newlands East which has 957 learners had to close its doors after being seriously flooded.

The school was in a quandary as it lacked the financial resources for a major clean-up operation. And then MANCOSA stepped in and spearheaded a rehabilitation project.

Professor Magnate Ntombela, principal of MANCOSA said: Ours is a caring institution that has positioned itself as an enduring organisation that plays an important role in its local communities and economies.

“When communities, especially schools, are in distress, MANCOSA works with like-minded partners to lend a hand in a targeted response to ease the hardships.

“These kinds of initiatives stay true to the testament of the Yusuf Karodia Foundation, which is focused on promoting a brighter future through participation in initiatives in education, new venture creation and supported welfare,” said Professor Ntombela.

Pompey Sukool, principal of the damaged school, said most amenities and facilities were wrecked, including electrical appliances.

“The 20 classrooms and tuck shop were submerged, and damage has been estimated at R3 million.

“The water rose to the ceiling, and thick mud entered all the classrooms and offices.

“We are extremely grateful to MANCOSA for saving the school from permanently closing.

“MANCOSA facilitated the cleaning and provided a new alarm system, wi-fi, office furniture, a computer and printer, and new doors,” he said.

Sukool added the school will be opening for different grades in stages and all classes should be back by 16 May to continue normal learning.

ENDS