Construction of a new Grade R complex at Fikizolo Primary School in Fingo VIllage is well under way.
Construction of a new Grade R complex at Fikizolo Primary School in Fingo VIllage is well under way.
In a fenced-off area within the school grounds, the specialised classroom and play area will serve as the preparatory phase for the school.
Principal Monde Dlepu said the Public Works project was approved after a visit from education department officials in 2011. The school had asked for Grade Rs to have their own playground and facilities. "We are very excited to be allocated our own space because we had challenges sharing the territory with the primary school learners," Dlepu said. "Sometimes they would use those playgrounds and damage them and sometimes in the queues for [school meals], the older children would bully the pre-school kids. Now we will have our own space, our own kitchen, our own playground and it will be secured: our kids are guaranteed safety."
"It's a good initiative by the department of education". added Fikizolo's foundation phase head, Nozuko Kepe.
The new Grade R complex will comprise three classrooms, a kitchen, a playground and toilets. Classrooms currently used by the Grade Rs will be occupied by other grades and be used for other purposes. The builders expect the job to be finished in good time for the start of the new school year. "It's not really much work to do. We could finish it in three months," said site technician Linsley Bowles. "It's just three classes, toilets and the kitchen."
