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14 April 2009

A brand-new hall (R2,8 million), student parking, a car park and student ablution are the latest additions to improve the quality of education at the Edendale Campus of the Umgungundlovu Further Education and Training (FET) College in Pietermaritzburg.

Since 2006 the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education (KZNDoE) has invested more than R4,3 million in infrastructure at this campus. The upgrades and additions include computer rooms with internet access, a library, an additional plumbing workshop, student cafeteria and dining hall, a kitchen, and electric fence, as well as alterations and renovations to several buildings.

With the completion of the hall, students no longer have to stand in the sun during assemblies, parent meetings and student meetings, while examinations are also conducted in the hall. Lecturers find the hall very useful for teaching Life Orientation and language where group discussions and dramatisation, etc. are required. To the Edendale community the new hall is a welcome addition as they can also hire it for functions and group discussions.

The internet access of the computer rooms has improved access to information dramatically, resulting in better research for both lecturers and students. Both learners and lecturers have improved on their computer skills.

The library offers a space to students to study and conduct research - an essential facility to improve on pass rates. Likewise will the additional plumbing workshop improve curriculum delivery, taking off the pressure in the previously overcrowded plumbing workshop and enabling lecturers to give individual attention to learners.

I am very pleased with what I have seen here today. Our FET Colleges are crucial in the provision of skills training and they need decent facilities. The facilities are here to improve the lives of our people. They must use it, take care of it and own it. We need to take hands - we have achieved but together we can do more.

Issued by: Department of Education, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
14 April 2009