New education centre planned for Masi
Masicorp, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, has announced plans to build a R25 million education centre in Masiphumelele.
The non-profit organisation announced plans for the Masicorp Education Centre, to be located on the existing site of the Sunnydale Educare Centre in the township, at an event on Tuesday March 5.
The first phase of the project involves the construction and equipping of a 200-seater multi-purpose centre that will run education and training programmes for children and adults. More classrooms will be added in the second phase.
“We hope that with these kinds of expanded programmes, residents of communities like Masiphumelele will be able to look forward to a sustainable future,” said Masicorp managing director Milli Firth.
During the event, Haroon Mahomed, deputy director-general of the Western Cape Education Department, said Masicorp’s efforts to help the township should serve as a model for the entire country.
“Their comprehensive support, from early childhood development to adult skills training, aligns perfectly with the progress our nation requires."
Masicorp was founded by John and Carol Thompson in 1999, and its first major project was the building of Masiphumelele library, which opened in 2003 as a satellite of Fish Hoek library. An extra floor was added to the library in 2005 a park in 2006 and an extra wing in 2008.
The library now has a computer lab providing free computer classes, training and public internet access.
Lungile Simakade, the branch manager of the IkamvaYouth tutoring centre at the library, said that Masicorp had been crucial in many of their initiatives
“I am filled with gratitude for the support, the meaningful partnership that we have built and the milestones we have achieved,” he said.
Masicorp has established and supported several preschools in the area, and at Ukhanyo Primary School, Masicorp runs a programme offering English, maths, science and computer learning support.
"Masicorp always comes and asks where they can help, where there's a need. We walk this journey together and I am excited to lead at the school," said the school’s principal, Michael Tyhali.
Masicorp also works with The Sewing Café, providing a free sewing course to Masiphumelele High School pupils, and it has started weekend maths classes for Masiphumelele High School pupils led by a maths tutor at Fish Hoek High School.
To find out more about the Masicorp Education Centre, contact Milli Firth on 021 7851923, or email milli@masicorp.org
