Engen joined forces with Engen Marine Terminal (formerly Engen Refinery) contractors, to enhance the learning environments of six Secondary Schools in Merebank and Wentworth, all identified as in need of support by the Community-Engen Joint Committee. 

Recognizing the importance of a conducive educational setting, the collaboration aimed to provide much-needed improvements, addressing maintenance issues, and supplying essential equipment.

The participating schools - Fairvale Senior Secondary, Umbilo Senior Secondary, Wentworth Senior Secondary, Ganges Senior Secondary, Merebank Senior Secondary, and P.R. Pather Senior Secondary - were identified based on their urgent needs, with principals of the schools highlighting how insufficient funding forces them to seek external support for crucial expenses.

One significant challenge faced by the schools was learners' inability to pay school fees, often a result of parents' being unemployed, or being reliant on government support. 

As part of the joint initiative, Engen and partners also helped alleviate the burden for 11 Matric learners, ensuring that they could focus on their final year of High School without financial constraints.

Gavin Smith, Engen’s External Communications Manager, commented: “We are grateful to our committed Engen Marine Terminal contractors, including Worley, TMS, Fabricon, and UIC, for their contributions of time and resources in completing the renovation work at these six schools.”

"We firmly believe that these upgrades will play a small role in enhancing the learning environment for the learners, paving the way for a brighter future," he added.

The project encompassed various improvements tailored to each school's specific needs:

Fairvale Secondary School - Initiatives included resetting the gate motor battery in the Motor Mechanic Workshop, securing workshop windows with mesh, and financially supporting the school fees for two Matriculants.

Umbilo Secondary School - Received two Jojo Tanks and two Pumps, with plans for the upcoming installation of two air conditioners in the Media Centre. Additionally, the project procured six desktop computers for the Media Centre and covered school fees for two Matriculants.

Wentworth Secondary School - Benefited from a pump connection to the JoJo Tank, ensuring a reliable water supply to toilets. The project also involved the replacement of 12 fire extinguishers and financial support for the school fees of two Matriculants.

Ganges Secondary School - Improvements included the replacement of the Engen Maths & Science Sign Board, securing water pipes and wooden beams along the walkway, and procuring a Data Projector. Additionally, two pumps were installed in the JoJo Tanks, and financial assistance was provided for the school fees of two Matriculants.

Merebank Secondary School - Improvements such as the connection of a water pump to the municipality line for toilet water supply, replacement of 15 classroom fans, and the replacement of a class B5 door and frame. The project also contributed to the payment of school fees for one Matriculant.

P.R. Pather Secondary School - Enhancements included the procurement of six desktop computers for the Library Room, painting the office area, replacing six outside taps with plastic taps, and procuring five soccer balls. Financial support was extended for the school fees of two Matriculants, and an additional five desktop computers were acquired for the Library Room.

The overall project, with a combined funding value of R550,000 from Engen, TMS, Worley, UIC, and Fabricon, showcases a commitment to grassroots education and skills development.

Smith says the future of our country rests in the quality of education that we provide our youth, which is why Engen is actively involved in making a positive difference. 

“This project contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals specifically SDG 4 – ensuring the right to quality education through basic needs by enabling learners to focus on their studies and attend school with dignity,” adds Smith.  

“This is a further testament to Engen's dedication to creating opportunities for underprivileged students to realize their potential through education.”