Deloitte KZN invested its time and effort in Majoji Primary School located inland from Verulam north of Durban for its Impact Day – an annual celebration of volunteerism and commitment by the 165 000 Deloitte staff around the world.
“Majoji is a small school that caters for primary school children between the ages of 5 and 12. Most children who attend the school come from impoverished homes without much hope for improved circumstances,” said Deloitte Regional Leader, KwaZulu-Natal: Guy Brazier.
“The school itself was in dire need of refurbishments both inside and outside the classrooms. Many of the windows and doors were broken and the playground was virtually non-existent. We saw the school as an opportunity to make a real impact and make a difference to the school and its learners.”
Brazier explains that Impact Day serves to contribute positively to any deserving organisation in the vicinity of their offices. Majoji Primary School was selected after a medical day involving medical examinations of all the learners conducted by Deloitte in March this year revealed the poor state of the school.
“Our team of volunteers arrived at the school at 9am and worked throughout the day. We found the grade R classroom in a deplorable condition and decided to totally rebuild and paint the area. New furniture and learning material were part of the package for the 28 pupils who use the classroom.
Transformed
“The school’s library had a few books and the shelves needed some serious attention to serve its purpose adequately. Equipped with tools and dusters our volunteers transformed the library into a readers’ haven. Having witnessed first-hand the need for books at the school volunteers donated new books so that the children will always have access to fresh and relevant reading material,” says Brazier.
While at the school volunteers identified soil erosion gulleys and large boulders on the playground which prevented children from playing soccer or running freely on the field.
“We heard from teachers and pupils that these were a hindrance but due to their size, they required mechanical intervention. We discussed this with JT Ross, one of the major construction companies in our province – they responded immediately to assist in using their infrastructure to perform the heavy duty tasks were not qualified to do.”
Brazier says when the management of JT Ross visited the school and assessed the many constructional challenges, they volunteered immediately to send their qualified team to complete it – on a 100% charitable basis.
Principal of Majoji Primary School Jerry Zungu heaped praise on Deloitte for their hard work at his school. “Deloitte’s effort at our school will never be forgotten. We are indebted to them for their generosity and invaluable contribution to improve the quality of education for learners. As a result of their actions our Grade R pupils have a new classroom with interactive learning aids. No words can express our gratitude to the people of Deloitte and JT Ross,” said the elated principal.
Brazier concludes, “Impact Day is an annual event which is wonderfully rewarding for all those who work at Deloitte, since it gives everyone the opportunity to touch our soul and what the organisation stands for in the community. We will continue to interact with Majoji Primary and assist the school wherever possible.”