Youth
A classroom built brick by bottled brick…
A unique concept of “bottled water” stored in the form of a “brick-like” container, allowing the “bricks” to be used for building purposes, took off at King David Linksfield. The aim was to use the “bricks” to build classrooms in underprivileged areas.
SHANE BASSIN
In January this year, conversations began with the bottlers and King David to make King David Linksfield an “official” school selling the unique water which is in the shape of a brick.
The idea found traction with the learners and the water started selling in all tuckshops on campus in mid-March, as well as at all school events.
The idea soon became a gemilut chesed project and the school had a new goal in mind: building a grade R classroom at Sediba Thuto School in Soweto. Grade 7, grade 10 and grade 11 learners joined together for two Sundays to help turn the once land of empty grass into a beautiful classroom.
Digging, raking and stacking the bottles were all part of the fun, and the King David learners even managed to paint the jungle gyms that were old and rusted that the kids play on during break time.
A special appearance by Derek Watts from Carte Blanche added to the excitement by learners knowing that their efforts were going to a very needed cause. Watts posted a picture of the learners hard at work on his Twitter account with over 100 000 followers.
In its final phase, the classroom was plastered and painted to make it look like a “normal” classroom – but it places the emphasis on recycling.
The classroom, as well as the newly-painted play area, will be officially opened early next year and will serve as the new home to special grade Rs.