Fred Norman Secondary School

Fred Norman Secondary School

by Gareth Cameron Cool2Care board member 

The Fred Norman Secondary School, situated in Ennerdale outside Johannesburg, established in 1941 was originally built to school 950 pupils. Over the years due to its high standard coupled with great results, Fred Norman Secondary School has become a beacon of light to almost if not the whole community of Ennerdale and surrounds.

It’s 2009, and the school has grown to over 1600 pupils without any infrastructural developments. This has meant that some classes had to be taught in a tent that was donated by the local church. It was time to extend the school.

Due to poor Government involvement in this project of extending the school, Fred Norman Secondary decided to go it alone. Fred Norman having only 30% paying pupils at R600 per annum, fundraising became the only answer to many questions on where to find the money. It was asked by the school that all parents of the community donate R100, this was very successful and raised R65 000. The school then held a Family Fun Day in which they raised a further R52 000. What seemed the impossible was soon becoming a reality. But more money was needed to finish the classrooms.

The school turned to the Dis-Chem Foundation, which is a proud donor to community development and helping communities in need.The Dis-Chem Foundation came to the party and Fred Norman Secondary are on there way to completing there new classrooms.  

It’s a success story that can be appreciated by all. And what is more impressive is the pride that the pupils of Fred Norman Secondary have for the accomplishment that the school has made. It just proves that there is nothing more powerful then the united youth. And there is no better medium of uniting the youth than through education. This was displayed to us, The Dis-Chem Foundation, Yo-TV and Cool 2 Care at an assembly that was put together by the school in appreciation of the Dis-Chem Foundations contribution. 

The Assembly                     

The proceedings started with the Team from the Dis-Chem Foundation, Yo-TV and Cool 2 Care introducing them selves and to tell the school what the Cool 2 Care is about and that it is Cool 2 Care.

We were then treated to some fantastic performance from the school Choir

The Fred Norman Secondary Resident Poet gave us a poem of thanks on behalf of the school.                        

Poem Take One

The place where many run just for education
This is not just a school yet a second home
This where we come with our problems with the hope for help
For all do not be the same
We cry from different pains
And are heard from within
Fred Norman Secondary
My most Valued Family
Here where we learn the ubuntu
For cries are heard of different social, financial, emotional and physical being
This be how it be
The food on the mouths
And empower the youth
With the nurturing of talents
Which grows within the students
Words can never describe
All the pride
Of the being which is filled with you
When talent is natured Food is given
The soul is consoled
The crime is decreased
This be not all
As I can go on all year
But for most of this we need financial assistance
As so to get guidance
Thanks to Dis-Chem I can see the light
And right now it is shining very bright
By: Tshidiso   

The assembly was ended by a group of traditional South African dances, bringing in some of the heart and soul of what the South African culture is all about. This was great fun and a truly great way to end proceeding.  The assembly was humbling, to see what these pupils come from yet how enthusiastic and well presented they are is something to be admired.Fred Norman Secondary School can be proud of their achievements, not only in teaching the youth but giving them purpose and belief that there is green grass on the other side. This was a worthy cause that the Dis-Chem Foundation is proud to be a part of.