A service learning project completed by second-year Architecture students will continue to give joy to learners at a remote primary school for years to come. Using mostly recycled and donated material the playground at St Michaels Primary School in Grabouw has had a complete facelift.
Students designed and built decking, a pergola (covered outside area), fireplace and painted a child-friendly wall to make the area more attractive.
Architecture lecturer Hermie Voulgarelis says students travelled to the school for a week and a half to complete the project.
“The school was selected for its involvement in our Multigrade Programme and its vicinity to Cape Town,” she says.
HELPING HAND: Architecture lecturer Hermie Voulgarelis helps a learner leave her handprint on the wall.
Senior Architecture Lecturer Jolanda Morkel says a large part of the playground used to be practically unusable because a large container cut the area off, making it difficult for children to access a wooden play park.
“Now the outside area flows off of the classrooms creating a much larger play area,” she says.
“The pergola will also assist in keeping some of the wind and heat off the area.”
ALL TOGETHER NOW: St Michaels learners on the newly built decking which links classes to the playground.
St Michaels Principal Nicolas Davids says he had no idea a few simple changes could make such a huge difference.
“They opened our eyes to how the space could be used,” he says.
The next phase of the project, expected to role out next year, will revamp the entrance to the school.
As a reminder of the hard work put in students, learners, teachers and lecturers were all invited to leave a coloured hand print on the outside wall.
HANDY HELP: Learners give Architecture students a big thank you for revamping their playground.
By: Lauren Kansley
Photos by: Shawn Uys
Written by CPUT News
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