GrandWest donation upgrades Cape Town school kitchens

A GrandWest donation of nearly R1,6 million has transformed consumer studies classrooms at two Cape Town schools.

For two Cape Town schools, the heart of their school is truly back in their kitchens, thanks to a donation of just under R1,6 million from GrandWest to upgrade their consumer studies classrooms.

Focus College in Wynberg serves Grade 8 to 12 learners from disadvantaged backgrounds who need alternative school placement.

The school was still using the original consumer studies practical room, dating back to 2012, with its outdated stoves and fridges. In addition to a general upgrade and modern catering equipment, one of the most important elements of the R780 000 refurbishment was upgrading the electrical system.

Now, learners can focus on learning the art of cooking without worrying about electrical disasters.

Forest Heights

GrandWest invested over R724 000 at Forest Heights High School to provide a desperately needed fresh, clean, and safe space for learners taking consumer studies.

Forest Heights High School serves 1 299 learners from Eerste River, Mfuleni, and Khayelitsha, but limited funding poses challenges.

Although Forest Heights is a fee-paying school, unemployment is high, and most families live off social grants. Parents are unable to pay their children’s school fees, which impacts financial liquidity for resources.

New equipment

Over the years, the classroom has seen heavy use, and unfortunately, time has taken a toll on the equipment and infrastructure.

The stoves, which have been in use for many years, reached the end of their lifespan.

The heat, steam, and constant usage also had a significant impact on the countertops and overall condition of the room. As a result, the room no longer provided a safe and functional space for learning.

Consumer studies were part of the curriculum when the school first opened in 1993.

The number of learners taking classes has increased, and with the growing popularity of food as a career, it has become a subject that students now want to take.

Mervyn Naidoo, General Manager of GrandWest, said: “Food has become an exciting career choice. Many youngsters now want to learn about food to follow in the footsteps of chefs who have become household names.”