Blomvlei Primary, beacon of hope

HANOVER PARK on the Cape Flats is no longer just known for its gang shootings. In the middle of this impoverished community is the Blomvlei Primary School, which achieved a pass rate of more than 90% this year.

The school is a beacon of hope for young children in the impoverished community who would otherwise fall by the wayside. One of its ex-learners is talented ballet dancer Faakhir Bestman (13), who has against all odds won many ballet competitions locally and abroad. He recently received a bursary to attend the National Performing Arts School in Joburg.

Blomvlei Primary wants to make a difference to brave learners who are eager to receive a quality education.

Upon entering the school’s reception area, you are immediately struck by how neat and beautiful the school is.

The principal, Dawn Petersen, proudly shows off the school grounds and their beautiful eco-friendly library, which is warm in winter and cool in summer. A big glass window was built into one of the walls, through which the learners can look at Table Mountain when they are reading in the library.

As we walk out of the library scores of learners come to hug her. How many hugs do you give every day? I ask. “About 830. At the school we encourage hugging and showing affection,” Petersen answers with a smile.

It is clear the children feel loved and safe at this school. She gives me a brief background of about three of the children. It is clear she knows her learners. And because she grew up in Hanover Park, Petersen understands their challenges.

Through hard work and dedication she and her staff turned the school into a functional one.

“Each member of the staff takes great pride in taking care of the school. We have a feeding and reading project at the school. Blomvlei has 10 ladies from the community who take part in the ‘Walking Bus’, whereby they walk children safely to and from school. It is the school’s vision to turn it into a centre of excellence.

“We have taken it upon ourselves to provide our learners with a ‘home away from home’ and the best education possible.

“Our school is now successfully functional and we have a hard working team, who go beyond the call of duty for our learners,” she said.