Khulani Special School - second interim report

This is the second interim report on the status of the application of the grant received from Africa Foundation (UK).  Together with other funds raised, the grant has been applied to the construction of the Khulani Special Needs School in Mduku Community, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

The project is a multi-phase project and the initial funds raised are being applied towards the first phase of the project.  This consists of two classrooms, two storerooms, a library, four ablutions and perimeter fencing.    It is envisaged that the Government will provide the balance of funding required for the other phases.

The overall objective of this project is to construct a school to enable the dignified care of children with special needs in the Mduku community.  The overall project has been identified as follows:

• 10 Classrooms, 2 offices, additional storerooms, 3 multi-purpose blocks, a Media Centre and a computer room
• Ablutions
• Parking Area
• Dormitory for boys and girls
• Guardhouse
• Administration Block
• Kitchen and dining facility
• Service facilities
• Activity and Therapy Facilities

Following on from the previous report, the lengthy process of appointing a contractor finally culminated with the appointment of V Bhengu Construction and in December 2010, the Khulani School site was handed over to the contractor.  The project is now progressing very well.  The main building with two classrooms, storerooms and library is now at roof-height. The ablution block concrete slab has been laid and the walls will be completed in the next week as scheduled. The perimeter fencing is complete and the gate has been attached.  It is anticipated that this phase of the project will be completed by May 2011. 

A third site meeting was held in February 2011 and most of the key stakeholders including the SGB (School Governing Body), Department of Education Special Needs, the professional team and the contractor were present. These site meetings will continue to take place until the end of this phase. 

 

Many inroads have been made during the negotiations process of the Khulani Special School.  These have resulted in an amicable collaboration of the relevant parties and stakeholders for this project and the team are delighted that the Government is also a key stakeholder in the development of this project thereby bringing the community and Government closer together.    Residents have also been empowered and now enjoy the benefit of being involved in this project.

This project has been a long time coming - the first buildings are fantastic and it is a very encouraging sight to see and to realise that the dream of the Khulani champions (to provide a safe and suitable place for the disabled children of Mduku and surrounding communities) is now coming true.

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