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Now Open: Dr JL Dube High School

21st March, 2024

Our Cotton On Foundation-supported Dr JL Dube High School in KwaMashu, South Africa, is now open! This week, educators, students, Cotton On Foundation ambassadors and special guests unveiled the R75,000,000 ($6M AUD and nearly $4M USD) redevelopment, marking the completion of our biggest Cotton On Foundation investment to date.

We’re so proud of this world-class school, which will now equip 1,280 students (per year!) with the tools and education to thrive during their schooling years and beyond.

Cotton On Foundation ambassador Nomzamo Mbatha expressed her profound joy at witnessing the culmination of this transformative endeavour, stating, “It has been an incredible journey to witness the progress of Dr JL Dube High School from our groundbreaking ceremony in 2022 to this momentous occasion. Initiatives like this represent my life’s purpose: gifting young people the power to believe, ensuring the equal right to access quality education and that no child should be left behind. I am deeply honoured to champion them.”

The 4,312 square meter transformation includes a Pathways hub, sports hall, science and computer labs, educational blocks, a teachers’ lounge, trophy room, kitchen and several bathroom blocks with shower facilities. Outside, students can enjoy netball courts, cricket nets, an amphitheatre and a sports field. We’ve also ensured the school includes accessibility features to ease access for those with disabilities, as well as 107 indigenous trees, 18,883 plants, a rooftop solar system, and a 254,000-litre rainwater harvesting system!

Nine vibrant murals adorn the school walls, showcasing the talent of local artists who have depicted themes of sportsmanship, education, nature, and community in brightly coloured designs.

Our partnership with Dr JL Dube High School began in 2019 with the mission of eliminating barriers students face when completing senior education in the region. In March 2022, following the planning, community consultation and design phase, we celebrated the groundbreaking. In July 2023, Phase 1 of construction concluded, followed by Phase 2 in February of this year.

From here, Cotton On Foundation will continue supporting Dr JL Dube High School through teacher development initiatives and their school feeding program, where a high-protein, vitamin-rich porridge is provided for each learner every morning.

The project’s success was made possible through collaborative efforts between the Cotton On Foundation and several partners, including the Department of Education, Fieldworks Design Group, Edgecombe & Hayes-Hill, Tobbell Stretch & Associates, DBA Electrical Consulting Engineers, GVK Siya Zama (Main Contractor), and various local contractors from the KwaMashu area.

A big thank you to our team members, Foundation Ambassadors and customers for advocating for youth to thrive every day and raising funds for Holistic Education projects just like this one!

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