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eSIBONISWENI DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
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eSIBONISWENI DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Seven years ago, Jennifer Getz, the Director of Special Programs at Saint Mark's School, San Rafael, CA, learned of and visited a small rural school near the northern border of South Africa. Touched by the graciousness, dignity, and hardship encountered during her visit, she set out to help this rural community in whatever way possible. Upon returning to Saint Mark's, Jennifer showed a presentation of her visit, and soon after, the school as a whole committed to helping this community.

Until recently, classes and activities at sSibonisweni were carried out under a large shade tree, with the students using the sand for work and art. On rainy days the children were kept "indoors" - in a dark shed made entirely of reeds, with a floor of sand, which made learning indoors close to impossible. With no way to make the room secure, the teachers carried their few supplies to and from school daily, balanced their heads.

From that initial visit in 2000, a strong, ongoing relationship continues to grow. The first outreach - a small donation of clothing, educational materials, and toys - has developed to the point where funds have been raised to build a crèche (second classroom soon to be completed), and now for the building of 4 new classrooms at the primary school to supplement the existing 8 that serve over 800 students (to be completed by June 2006).

Additionally, the students and members of the Saint Mark's community have pledged to help provide annually for the AIDS orphans and their caregivers.

In June 2005 a delegation from Saint Mark's, made up of administrators, teachers, parents and students, paid the first visit to eSibonisweni. As a result of the visit, more and more members of the two communities are reaching out to each other. Classes in both communities are developing projects that help them to understand each other better, community leaders are exchanging ideas, and teachers have formed personal friendships.

MAKING PROGRESS

Through the efforts of the students, faculty and staff of Saint Mark's School and some additional donations from parents, Saint Mark's has built a simple but secure crèche for eSibonisweni School. The walls are breeze blocks, the floor is concrete, and the roof is corrugated iron. There are windows, and the walls are covered with learning aids and photos of Saint Mark's students. The teachers can now store and lock up their teaching materials in the building.

Since the completion of the new crèche, Saint Mark's School has committed to helping pay the primary school fees and food expenses for 150 of Maputaland's neediest AIDS orphans.

BUILDING A NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL

The Primary School previously had over 800 students and only 8 classrooms to house classes for students ranging in age from 5-18. As of October 15, 2005, funds were raised for the building of 8 new classrooms at the primary school to supplement the existing buildings. The construction of these buildings is underway.

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