In 2017 we were approached by Container World and Focus on Ithemba to partner with them on an ECD project – to provide a new facility on the site of an existing pre-school run by Bonisiwe Gwala in Kwa-Nqetho, near Hillcrest. The site housed both her Church building (doubling as the pre-school), as she is a Church leader in her community, as well as her home. The area available for the school was limited, but also challenging in terms of levels. The design wraps around a raised courtyard / play-area with a good North orientation for plenty of natural light. Classrooms are provided for the pre-school learners and there is a small fantasy room and admin spaces.
The internal spaces are converted containers, donated by Container World. A large roof oversails the containers, protecting them from heat, and extends to provide the generous covered walkway areas for circulation and play. Bidvest were the main donors, but the project came about due to a number of sponsors – read more about the opening and the collaborators – http://bit.ly/ProjectJoy
