On-Going Needs at Secondary School for the Deaf
The Embangweni Secondary School for the Deaf continues to be a work in progress. The initial buildings were made possible largely because of the efforts of Robert Davenport and his wife, Lizzy Allen. They saw the need for such a school and worked to secure funding for the school block and boys’ hostel. Although the original buildings were adequate, the school grew at an unexpected pace and very quickly needed more room. The original classroom block has been divided into four small classrooms which are very cramped. Mr. Davenport was able to raise funds to build the girls’ hostel as more girls began to attend. As it is not fully occupied, part of that building is being used as a library and laboratory.
Plans have been drawn up to complete the campus but to date the funding has not been received.
The school would like to be able to install white boards in the classrooms to replace the chalk boards currently in use. The chalk available produces a very large amount of dust and does not last long. Some students try to cover their nose and mouth when cleaning the board because of the dust. White boards and markers are available in country but are expensive, especially the markers.
Future plans, when funds can be found, include a library, laboratories, an assembly/dining hall, teacher houses and a better kitchen. An improved water system is also needed which would make it possible to use the showers already installed in the hostels and would help the kitchen as well. The present library and laboratory are housed in empty bedrooms at the girls’ hostel. They are extremely cramped and, for the library, not conducive to browsing or finding a particular book. As noted above, there is no dining hall and students must eat outside or in their hostel room. Assembly is held in one of the classrooms which are much too small for such gatherings. Teachers at present must rent housing in the town of Embangweni and walk or bicycle to and from school twice daily. The head and deputy head teachers currently share an office that is perhaps 10’ x 8’. It holds 2 desks with chairs, several bookcases, storage and charging area for the e-readers and other storage. Access is through one of the classrooms, causing frequent disruptions. The staff room is the same size and contains a table, chairs and bookcases. All the staff need to crowd into this space for morning break and meetings.
Gift Opportunities
Although the Secondary School for the Deaf collects school fees, these cover only the most basic needs. The school relies on outside donors to provide the things that are outside of the school budget. Leaving aside the big-ticket items like buildings, the school does receive and greatly appreciates other gifts. In recent years, donors have provided e-readers (a.k.a. Kindles), white boards for a few classrooms, sports equipment (soccer balls, frisbees, basketballs and the like), pens and books for the fledgling library. These are highly treasured, as students are allowed to check out books to read at school and also to take home during school holidays. The books provide exposure to many kinds of reading and have increased interest in reading – in English – for pleasure.
Some students’ families struggle to pay the fees and purchase uniforms and textbooks. Individuals willing to sponsor a student keep these learners in school, which in turn increases their chances of success in the outside (hearing) world. In 2019, school fees were 100,000 kwacha per term (roughly $135.00) and there are 3 terms per year. The fees do not cover uniforms, textbooks or school supplies. The headteacher is always willing to send progress reports to donors.
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