Community Projects
Transforming our spaces and communities
Quick Links
Learner Emergency Fund
Since the commencement of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, KILT has played a vital role in addressing the extensive food insecurity needs within the Greater Knysna area. In order to ensure the KILT objective that “each child, irrespective of race, gender or financial resources, has a solid education foundation through addressing the whole system” it is essential to address the nutritional shortfalls of learners in addition to their psycho-social and/or remedial needs. A hungry child will not flourish. KILT has set up an emergency fund to assist where it is able.
Libraries
Many children in Knysna lack access to functional libraries. The Psycho-Social and Remedial Project has focused on establishing and upgrading school libraries.
In 2021, KILT funded a library pilot project at Percy Mdala High School, including a librarian, books, and other resources. The project aims to benefit other schools with library upgrades as well.
Ablutions and Hygiene
KILT funds school-employed ablution supervisors to improve the upkeep of the ablution facilities at schools so that amenities are safe, functional and hygienic. As a result, there are 24 ablution supervisors, and a recent survey of hygiene standards in learner ablution facilities yielded an 87% score.
School safety
Many Knysna schools experience break-ins, vandalism, and violence in the community. KILT began funding safety officers at some schools, and their visible presence has made a significant difference.
As a result, by the end of 2020, no cases of gang activity were reported – in sharp contrast to previous years.
We have also provided schools with security upgrades to secure new e-learning resources.
In addition, 2021 saw a drive for greater collaboration between school safety personnel and the Safe Schools Project. There are 18 Safety Officers in the schools that are most at risk.
18
Safety Officers in schools at risk
School Solar Power
KILT is installing solar systems in schools that use large amounts of energy. Using the Sun Exchange model, schools only pay for the solar energy they consume at a much lower rate than now, allowing them to become more self-sustaining.
This initiative could save the schools 20% to 55% of their utility costs so that they can begin to accumulate discretionary funds to address some of their infrastructure issues that the government cannot fund.