An educare built with fire-proof material sponsored by foreign donors has offered new hope for the community of Overcome Heights.
Just two weeks ago, a devastating fire burnt down 39 homes and left 80 people homeless in the informal settlement near Lavender Hill.
For the past two decades, the community has been begging authorities for formal homes, after being hit by numerous fires and floods.
On Monday, Mayor Dan Plato, the community and members from the Wood Student Foundation, based in Germany, as well as the Swedish Consul General attended the reopening of Ark Angels Educare in St Patrick Street.
The educare, a first for Overcome Heights, was established in 2015 in a shack, and can now accommodate 200 children, ranging from babies to six-year-olds.
OPENING: Mayor Dan Plato with German and Swedish sponsors
The Seeds Trust did the fundraising for the initiative, which is the brainchild of Pastor Prosper Eorchere, the founder of Ark Chapel International Ministries.
Pastor Eorchere says he’s been harbouring the dream for many years and thanked the many sponsors who came on board to realise his dream.
With the help of sponsors, they erected brick walls and enlarged the building.
“Wood Student Foundation from Germany sponsored the structure,” the pastor says, adding that other donors sponsored the roof and burglar bars.
Plato says it was an amazing experience to be part of the opening after the City of Cape Town-approved plans and development for the building, which has eight classrooms and three toilets, a kitchen, office and a playground.
“It was a brilliant and fantastic experience as the Swedish donors helped a lot by building this facility,” says Plato.
Fouzia Cassiem, the chairperson of the Overcome Heights Housing Committee, says this is a dream come true for their sukkeling community and encouraged more sponsors to lend a helping hand with other projects.
UPGRADED: Eight new classrooms have been built
“Two weeks ago, 39 homes burnt down and 80 people were left homeless and now we have this building which is fireproof,” she adds.
“This will not just be a place of education, it will also be a safe haven for our children. I am very happy because this is a first for the community of Overcome Heights.
“There is a playground which our children will love and we say thank you to all the donors and sponsors who were involved. This is a gift that we will appreciate.”