Hydroscand's school project

In 1969, Hydroscand started its first branch in Sweden and has since then developed into a global group with operations in 20 countries. Success also comes with a responsibility and an opportunity to influence - something that Hydroscand takes very seriously.

Hydroscand works actively to support various activities in Appelsbosch, Kwazulu Natal, where we engage in the primary school and pre-school, providing much needed funds and support for capital improvements and projects, library and media centre and computer centre. Hydroscand also awards scholarships annually to some of the school's best performers. The scholarship gives the student an opportunity to complete his or her education at upper secondary level, financed by Hydroscand. This commitment has changed and will continue to change the prospects for many children in Appelsbosch.

In the spring of 2011, Hydroscand established business in South Africa by acquiring a company based in Johannesburg. In connection with this Hydroscand visited the village of Appelsbosch, in Kwazulu-Natal, where representatives from the company were shown around at Inqolayolwazi Primary School. The school was neglected and the classrooms overcrowded by students. The visitors were concerned about the condition of the school, but also surprised by the children's enthusiasm for being educated, despite the stressful school environment.

It emerged that the school was in a difficult financial situation and would not be granted public funds to build more classrooms and hire more teachers. There and then, the decision was made that Hydroscand would donate the money needed to establish a new building with new classrooms. This was the start of Hydroscand's involvement in the school and what would later also include the pre-school and scholarships.

Three new classrooms take shape

When the church and local companies were told about Hydroscand's donation, they started a collection which resulted in enough capital to build a third classroom.

Louis and Edna Freese run a farm in Appelsbosch. When they learned about the initiative, they volunteered to lead the construction project. The construction of the new classrooms was carried out by local entrepreneurs with strong support from the schoolchildren's parents and the farmers in the area.

The new school building turned out to be much better than the previous premises, in fact so good that the Ministry of Education chose to finance a minor renovation of the older buildings. Hydroscand's involvement resulted in three new classrooms where students and teachers can work in a good teaching environment.

Sports fields and libraries for stimulation and play

The next step was to create more space for physical activities and to acquire materials for inspiration, creativity and learning. Thanks to a donation from Hydroscand, the school was also able to invest in new books for the school library. Teachers and management worked together to carefully select relevant books and other teaching materials for the pupils at Inqolayolwazi Primary School.

The fields around the school, which had not previously been used, were leveled and grass areas were created so that the pupils would have the opportunity to practice sport and other physical activity. This is a priority area for Inqolayolwazi Primary School, which is a health-promoting school.

The air conditioning in the computer room, which worked poorly, was replaced and an investment was made in new computers and tablets.

Flushing toilets were upgraded and added and new drains and drainage systems were added to remove water. Retaining walls were installed and the driveway into the school was upgraded.

Support to the pre-school gives future pupils a good foundation

During the course of the project, the importance of a good foundation for the future students was discussed. The environment, building and the educational level of the nearby pre-school were not good. The children were unstimulated and poorly prepared to start school..

Hydroscand decided to contribute to an improvement of the environment at the pre-school as well. The contribution was enough to renovate the existing premises and to build a new building to make room for more children and activities. In addition, new toilets could be built, the outdoor environment could be improved and a climbing frame and swings were placed in the yard.

Scholarships for a brighter future

Together with external donors, Hydroscand has paid five years of high school studies for a number of students who graduated with the best results in their final year. Every year Hydroscand awards a new scholarship to enable ambitious students to continue their studies at a high school.

Our first recipient Zama has just completed her second year at the University of Durban with approval in all subjects, which means that she can continue with her third year. Zama was already granted a university grant when she received Hydroscand's scholarship. Instead Hydroscand supported Zama with funds for other expenses that are linked to her continuing studies.

The commitment continues

During 2020 and 2021, Hydroscand will award more scholarships to students with good results. We also plan a number of further measures for the school and pre-school. Hydroscand will, among other things, finance the renovation of the toilets at the school, purchase new computers, build more sports areas around the school and improve the existing sport fields.

Below you will find excepts from letters that been sent from students to Hydroscand?

On the school's website you will fins more information about the school.