In a partnership that started in 2014, AfriSam has donated construction materials for the construction of the new LEAP Maths and Science School in Diepsloot, Gauteng. AfriSam was approached by one of the main sponsors of the school, Aveng Infraset, to support this initiative through the donation of cement and readymix products.
AfriSam donated cement readymix concrete and dry mortar mix for the construction of the LEAP school.
Established in 2011, the LEAP School is attended by over 200 children from the impoverished Diepsloot community, and until now they have had to attend their classes in rented space in a converted warehouse.
On 14 July 2020, the school celebrated the opening of its new campus during a virtual launch event. The new purpose-built school campus now boasts 11 classrooms, a learning centre, library, computer centre, administration block and a community hall.
“We are extremely grateful to AfriSam for the invaluable role they have played in making our dream a reality. They have made a positive contribution to the education of our youth and future leaders of South Africa,” says John Gilmour, LEAP executive director & founder.
During the construction phase of the project, AfriSam donated 150 t of its Dry Mortar mix for bricklaying and plastering, 840 bags of its All Purpose Cement used in the rammed earth construction method as well as 119 m³ of readymix concrete for foundations and other structural elements.
AfriSam prides itself on making a positive contribution to local communities in areas within which it operates. “AfriSam operates a number of quarries in the area, and we were excited to get involved in this worthy initiative. The focus in this area is to understand the needs of communities and make meaningful and sustainable contributions to their upliftment,” says Amit Dawneerangen, AfriSam Readymix GM.
The product donation for the construction of the LEAP school in Diepsloot is in line with the company’s corporate social investment focus of education and youth development. The company is involved in various educational projects, with the aim of empowering and equipping communities with the necessary knowledge and skills, as well as providing them with the tools and facilities to become self-reliant and sustainable.
“On behalf of AfriSam, we would like to congratulate the LEAP School on the completion of their new school campus. We are proud to be associated with such a beacon of hope in the community. We wish the teachers and learning at the LEAP School all the best. Happy learning!” Dawneerangen concludes.
LEAP Science and Maths Schools provides low cost education to students with potential from high-need communities. Since 2004, the NGO, which relies entirely on donor partners, has opened six schools in the Western Cape, Gauteng and Limpopo. Science, Maths and English are mandatory subjects at the schools which have extended learning hours on Saturday and holiday programmes, always emphasising academic success and personal empowerment.
