Mzoxolo Primary School ? George- Eden - Western Cape

Before the school was built Lawaaikamp had no school and children were forced to go to the neighbouring township, Thembalethu, across the dangerous N2 or be schooled in a dilapidated church and community hall. Building started in 1994 and in 1995 when eighty percent of the school building was complete, Mzoxolo, which means house of peace, opened its doors to the local children. This was a great relief for the parents and for teachers living in the area.

Lawaaikamp is a historical place, the oldest black residential area in George. It started off as a squatter camp and gained international recognition in the 1980ties when residents resisted forced removals. More than seventy percent of the current residents are born in the area. Some of that international support has continued through the years with library books still being donated for the school library.

The school has 25 classes and only 20 classrooms, therefore the teachers share the staffroom with a class. The library is converted into a class, a grade one class is squashed into a small conference room and the computer lab also houses a class. But this does not perturb the head master, Mr. Raymond Eagan, who says they are grateful to have a school at all, as many areas of South Africa are still in need of a basic building.

Mzoxolo has a beautiful organic garden, thanks to support from the inter-act club at York High School and local farmer, Jack Rubin. The garden is producing huge cabbages, onions, pumpkins and sweet corn for the school feeding scheme, energetically cultivated by Mr. Nyawuza, the school caretaker. Earthchild Project will with his and others assistance transform the garden into a living classroom for the children.