UCT students repair and revamp special needs school

First-year construction studies students have to do practical training. Each year the department organises a community build, which allows students to participate in community building projects.

The students learn and apply typical trade skills used in the construction industry and engage with informal settlement communities. At the end of the community build, students should be able to identify the variety of skills required to perform tasks that are associated with the building process and gain an appreciation of the significance of the tasks performed.

Maintenance is a challenge

Learners with disabilities from across the Western Cape attend the Tembaletu School, which was in need of repairs and a revamp. The school faces tremendous challenges in maintaining the grounds as its budget goes into the maintenance and running of transport to collect the children from all over the Western Cape.

The UCT students received donations in the form of equipment, materials, cement, free plants and paint from various local industries. They restored a tyre garden, fixed a run-down caretaker's cottage, connected a walkway to make it easier for the children to reach the dining room, planted shrubs and plants, and organised the library.

Lives have changed

"The help we have received from various companies has been tremendous. Without their help, this build would not have been possible," said Ryall Jacobs, chair of the Association of the Built Environment Students at UCT.

"The UCT students do not realise the difference they have made to the school, and how they have changed the lives of the learners. We greatly appreciate their input and hope it will be a lasting relationship," said Bernard Pather, principal of the school.