NEW WATER & SANITATION SYSTEM LAUNCHED AT IVORY PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL

For the past two years, Ivory Park Primary School has battled severe water challenges that disrupted learning and threatened the well-being of its learners.

Pupils were forced to walk nearly a kilometre to the nearest tap just to fetch water, while the school had to shut its gates for a shocking 40 days over the past four months due to the ongoing KAE Water Crisis.

Teachers feared for the health of their learners, leading to constant interruptions in class time and jeopardising their right to a full education.

But recently, hope has been restored.

SOS NPO, in partnership with private stakeholders, has stepped in to construct a brand-new water and sanitation system for the school.

The new system includes:
• School and community taps providing clean water for learners and their families
• A 12ft containerised WASH Hub with 12 new toilets and handwashing stations
• A food garden, giving learners hands-on activities to support classroom lessons while providing fresh produce for school meals and the wider community

Turning Water Into Hope
The intervention, spearheaded by SOS NPO alongside the PDJF, was made possible through strong partnerships with:
• Amalooloo – toilet systems and circular economy installation
• KSB South Africa – pumps and water systems
• Infinite Industries – sustainable walls made from recycled waste
• The Dis-Chem Foundation – financial support

At the launch, it was clear that this was not just a handover but a true collaboration. The school principal, SGB, and parents were actively involved, ensuring the school was a partner in the project, not merely a beneficiary.

Principal Poppy Ngwenya expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the school community:

“In the coming weeks, our learners will no longer have to go home early or miss school because there is no water. This changes everything for us.”

This project is a shining example of the power of partnerships and community-driven action. With water and sanitation restored, Ivory Park Primary School can now keep its gates open, ensuring that learners have uninterrupted access to education — and hope for a brighter future.