The principal who gives much more than just an education

Two years ago a poverty-stricken Chatsworth school had a bank balance of R38, debt totalling R10000 and children so hungry that they would faint during assembly.

Now, thanks to a principal's vision, staff commitment and generous sponsors, Glenview Primary School is making great strides in education for its pupils.

The school, based in Westcliff, has an enrolment of 230 pupils who are from nearby low-cost housing settlements.

Pupils are victims of the effects of social ills such as abject poverty, unemployment, drug and alcohol abuse and violence. But school principal Logan Pillay has made it his mission to turn the school around and "create young adults from infants".

Ever since Pillay's appointment as school principal in 2008, he has been on a campaign to get sponsors, create fundraisers and inspire his pupils and staff.

He said that, when he came to the school, the challenges were enormous.

"We had R38 in the bank account and debts amounting to R10000. The grass was really tall. The infrastructure was run down. The school and the community were at a distance and the motivation and morale of staff were at an all-time low."

Pillay said he and the teachers wanted to give their pupils and the community opportunity and hope, so one of the first things he did was to secure their own funds and sponsorships.

"We had to forge links with the private sector. Family and friends have come aboard as well as faith-based organisations. We even have this important philosophy that we need to take ownership of this place."

He said his teachers were committed to making the school a home and willingly made a monthly contribution from their salaries towards the running of the school.

Pillay said they began a feeding scheme called the Breakfast Club last year after three pupils fainted while he was addressing the assembly.

"I cut my assembly short and took these kids to the staffroom. We found out that two of them did not have breakfast and the other, in addition to not having breakfast, did not have supper the previous night."

Through sponsorship of ingredients, the school now prepares breakfast for about 40 pupils every morning. The same pupils are also given lunch.

"Also, we feed the entire school once every three weeks with the help of sponsors and the community, who are making an effort to become more involved in the school's affairs."

In addition the school has set up counselling for parents for drug abuse.

He said the education department had given them only R263 for stationery for the year. He wrote to two paper companies about their dilemma and the companies supplied stationery.

The school recently establish- ed a R100000 IT centre. The money was raised through various fundraising drives and from sponsors.

Pillay has also leased out empty classes to various faith-based groups to raise money. The school hosts a fundraising event every term to secure funds for the running of the school.

"We have been working hard. The teachers and I have been here every day during the holidays and sometimes at weekends. It's not a job, it's a way of life. We can make a difference and drive a process to more than educate pupils."

Teacher Elaine Francis said she loved her job but there was still a lot to do at the school and in the community. However, they were determined to build the self confidence of pupils.

Francis, who counsels children, said teachers did not mind contributing from their salaries because it made their life as educators easier.

The school will hold a fete on May 15 with gladiantics (a fun obstacle course), a dog show and dancing performances to raise money.