In 1983, Luxolo Intermediate School opened the doors of its new school facilities in Thembalesizwe, Aberdeen. It had been a long, hard road to the realization of this dream for the parents and teachers, with pupils having been housed in church halls and community centres in an attempt to educate them.
The parents eventually approached the Municipality about establishing a building fund into which they contributed funds on a monthly basis with a view to ultimately building a school. The Department of Education eventually came on board and the school building was completed in 1983, with Mr Tinta as the first Principal.
In 1991, current principal, Mr Jan Mathiale took over the running of the school,not only as principal,but also as teacher and secretary as well – a school secretary was only appointed by the Department of Education in 2008.
Luxolo Intermediate School is classed as a non-fee paying school. In this respect, all funding for the school emanates from the Department of Education and these funds may only be used for those costs as determined by the Department. Accordingly, there is no money for the 'extras' that are needed, particularly in regard to some of the poorer learners.
Enter The Luxolites, a group of past pupils of Luxolo who have banded together in a bid to support the school which gave them the grounding to become the successful business people they are today. Co-ordinated by Luvo Jacobs, the Luxolites provide funding to the school which is used to assist disadvantaged pupils with school uniforms, stationery, outing fees, etc. The learners who will benefit from this support are selected by the school community based on academic achievement as well as needs. The school provides The Luxolites with regular feedback on the use of the funds and the progress of the students. Mr Mathiale believes that the support provided to these students has benefited them enormously in that they are incentivised to work harder due to the special interest taken in them by The Luxolites.
There are currently 10 pupils being supported by The Luxolites, although there are still a large number of deserving pupils who could also benefit from this programme.
First Year of the Project 2007
In the first year, The Luxolites managed to raise R1000.00 which only sponsored 3 students. As the initiative was only started late in the year, many people were unaware of it and some promised to donate as the project continues.
Second Year of the Project 2008
In the second year of the project, the group managed to raise R4000.00 which sponsored 10 students (including the 3 students from the previous year). Inclusive in the R4000.00 was a cheque in the amount of R1000.00, donated by a company in George (M & H Office Equipment) and which was organised by Mr Skumbuzo Alan Mabuto (Skura) The rest of the money was made up of donations from friends and colleagues who used to study at Luxolo Intermediate School.
The Luxolites would also like to say "Thank you to all the people who previously donated money for this cause - without your contributions, the project would never have even got off the ground - thanks again. We also urge companies and businesses to give back to the community that enriched them, especially the local businesses."
Mission for 2009
The Luxolites are appealing to all business owners, companies, communities, political parties, individuals, etc. to make a donation or contribute in any other way they deem fit to help the school and its learners. To all the people of Aberdeen - please come on-board as this is a great idea of giving back to the community. The costs are in the region of R400.00 per learner but all contributions are gratefully accepted no matter how much they amount to. It is our intention and goal to double the contributions and thereby the number of learners who will be able to benefit.
Any person or organisation who wishes to become involved in the The Luxolite Project in any way may contact the project coordinator, Luvo Jacobs on 079-057-8997.
The parents eventually approached the Municipality about establishing a building fund into which they contributed funds on a monthly basis with a view to ultimately building a school. The Department of Education eventually came on board and the school building was completed in 1983, with Mr Tinta as the first Principal.
In 1991, current principal, Mr Jan Mathiale took over the running of the school,not only as principal,but also as teacher and secretary as well – a school secretary was only appointed by the Department of Education in 2008.
Luxolo Intermediate School is classed as a non-fee paying school. In this respect, all funding for the school emanates from the Department of Education and these funds may only be used for those costs as determined by the Department. Accordingly, there is no money for the 'extras' that are needed, particularly in regard to some of the poorer learners.
Enter The Luxolites, a group of past pupils of Luxolo who have banded together in a bid to support the school which gave them the grounding to become the successful business people they are today. Co-ordinated by Luvo Jacobs, the Luxolites provide funding to the school which is used to assist disadvantaged pupils with school uniforms, stationery, outing fees, etc. The learners who will benefit from this support are selected by the school community based on academic achievement as well as needs. The school provides The Luxolites with regular feedback on the use of the funds and the progress of the students. Mr Mathiale believes that the support provided to these students has benefited them enormously in that they are incentivised to work harder due to the special interest taken in them by The Luxolites.There are currently 10 pupils being supported by The Luxolites, although there are still a large number of deserving pupils who could also benefit from this programme.
First Year of the Project 2007
In the first year, The Luxolites managed to raise R1000.00 which only sponsored 3 students. As the initiative was only started late in the year, many people were unaware of it and some promised to donate as the project continues.
Second Year of the Project 2008
In the second year of the project, the group managed to raise R4000.00 which sponsored 10 students (including the 3 students from the previous year). Inclusive in the R4000.00 was a cheque in the amount of R1000.00, donated by a company in George (M & H Office Equipment) and which was organised by Mr Skumbuzo Alan Mabuto (Skura) The rest of the money was made up of donations from friends and colleagues who used to study at Luxolo Intermediate School.
The Luxolites would also like to say "Thank you to all the people who previously donated money for this cause - without your contributions, the project would never have even got off the ground - thanks again. We also urge companies and businesses to give back to the community that enriched them, especially the local businesses."
Mission for 2009
The Luxolites are appealing to all business owners, companies, communities, political parties, individuals, etc. to make a donation or contribute in any other way they deem fit to help the school and its learners. To all the people of Aberdeen - please come on-board as this is a great idea of giving back to the community. The costs are in the region of R400.00 per learner but all contributions are gratefully accepted no matter how much they amount to. It is our intention and goal to double the contributions and thereby the number of learners who will be able to benefit.
Any person or organisation who wishes to become involved in the The Luxolite Project in any way may contact the project coordinator, Luvo Jacobs on 079-057-8997. Article By: Luvo Jacobs