The Ford Engine Plant in Struandale and its suppliers have once again shown their commitment to improving the lives of surrounding communities with the comprehensive transformation of a shipping container and donation to Triomf Primary School in Salsoneville, Port Elizabeth.
The project was initiated by the Struandale Engine Plant as part of the annual Ford Global Week of Caring last year. The container has subsequently undergone a complete makeover to develop it into a comfortable and safe home for Triomf Primary’s aftercare centre. Fittingly, it was handed over to the school on Friday 14 September, during Ford’s seventh annual Global Week of Caring.
“It is a privilege for Ford and its partners to be able to assist Triomf Primary School, and shows just what can be achieved when different groups put their hearts and minds together,” stated Wallace Yearwood, Plant Manager of the Ford Engine Plant, at the hand-over. “No matter who you are and what you represent, you have to be an integrated part of the wider community, and play your part in order to move things forward. This is what we have achieved today.”
The new aftercare centre was officially handed over to Triomf Primary School principal, John Meyer, by the Ford team and representatives from the various partners and sponsors, comprising Lafarge, Guhring, CEF Builders, UTi and Hamburg-Süd.
“I cannot overemphasize the importance of a dedicated aftercare facility as an integral part of our school environment, and we would like to express our deepest and most sincere appreciation and gratitude for the donation of this converted container, and all the work done to make this possible,” Meyer said.
“The aim of the aftercare centre is to provide structured care for our children during the afternoon. It will allow us to give the learners a rest period after school, assist them with supervised homework and study requirements and, most importantly, ensure a safe environment.”
The school is currently raising funds to erect a fence around the aftercare facility, and plans to install a dedicated playground for the learners.
Using in-house expertise and manpower, and the kind support of Ford’s supplier companies, the 12-metre shipping container was given a new lease on life with the installation of wood panelling for the roof, sides and floors, the fitment of windows and doors, lighting and even an air-conditioning system.
The finishing touches included a new colour scheme, murals being painted on the walls and the fitting of curtains and built-in tables.
To ensure ultimate safety and durability, it was installed on a specially constructed concrete slab adjacent to the school sports fields, ready to receive its enthusiastic aftercare learners.
Alan Straton
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