Laying the foundations for success

Nelson Mandela might have said that education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world, but when it comes to impactful, sustainable CSI investments the Gap Infrastructure Corporation (GIC) is making a difference, daily.

?GIC is a leading infrastructure developer, specialising in design, procurement, project management and the funding of projects?in Africa. More than that, however, GIC is dedicated to corporate social responsibility and enhancing the lives of ordinary South African’s. They believe in giving back to the communities in which they operate, and where possible, sourcing materials and labour locally. ?

“These are the people who give us reason and opportunity to fulfil our purpose of ‘Changing Lives’,” says Roelof Van Den Berg, CEO of GIC. “As such, we’re committed to our promise of generating sustainable value in communities, and bettering the lives and livelihoods of Africans and the environment in which they live,” he says.

Building a brighter future

Dedicated to finding better ways to build brighter futures, the GIC was moved to do just that at Madibatlou Middle School in Olifantsfontein, Gauteng. The school is a Quintile 1 school, which means they rely solely on funding from the government and sponsors to maintain their facilities. What originally began as a small community school has rapidly grown from 300 learners to 1920 learner, putting the existing infrastructure and facilities under strain.

Over the years, this lead to a certain degree of dilapidation, and while the staff attempted to renovate the school “funding has always been the challenge,” says Mike Lamola, a teacher at the school.

?Before GIC stepped in to help them renovate the school, Madibatlou and its staff struggled with upkeep and maintenance, and the classrooms, bathrooms and general areas were in a very poor condition.

?Knowing that a positive learning environment plays a role in making students feel motivated and confident in their learning, GIC extended a helping hand to Madibatlou Middle School as part of their commitment to changing lives.

?On further assessment, it was discovered that there were so many areas in need of urgent attention that a total renovation was necessary if the school was to continue to service its learners for year’s to come. In order to create a bigger impact, GIC sponsored over R300 000 towards the professional upgrade.

The renovations included brand new classroom and school doors, entirely refurbished bathrooms, and newly painted walls and ceilings throughout, thanks to Indlovu Paint. GIC also renovated the school’s kitchen, which serves almost 2000 children per day, upgrading its equipment upgrade and the adding on a serving window with a roof extension to facilitate quicker lunchtime service.?

The impact of improving the school facilities, go much deeper than just a lick of paint. After the renovation, the GIC team received so many positive reports of the impact the renovations had on all the learners, teachers, and the headmaster.?

?No?l Marx, GIC Business Development Manager: “The feedback that we’ve received is that there has been a change. There has been a sense of pride when they get to school and that is what we wanted to achieve.”

?Teachers and learners feel encouraged and excited to sit inside classrooms where the walls and ceiling have been refreshed and painted.

?Zandile Kibi, HOD of Madibatlou Middle School, believes the renovation has improved the learning environment and brought positivity, life and love to not only the learners but the teachers as well. “The minds of our learners are rejuvenated!”, she says. The school felt honoured and proud that it was chosen by GIC for the upgrade, with learners commenting that it makes a huge difference for them to study in a renovated and clean school.

The headmaster, Kgabo Molokomme promised that the teachers and staff would do their best to maintain their beautiful new school.?

The learners all sent messages of praise and thanks to the GIC team, and said they’d like to see them continue doing good things for others too.

?A work in progress

?“It feels good to make such a positive change in the school and the community,” comments Sylvia Montwedi, Executive Director. “As a proudly South African company, we’re committed to empowering our youth to unlock their potential and live a life of dignity and optimism. All children deserve access to a safe and secure learning environment that will set them up to learn and grow, and achieve their goals and dreams.”

To find out more how GIC is changing lives, visit www.gic.co.za or follow GIC on Facebook @GapInfrastructureCorporation.