Michaelhouse high schooler, Oliver Thompson, is transforming his personal privilege into a powerful, immediate responsibility by founding an organisation that is currently rallying support far and wide to build an eco-friendly ECD Centre for the children of Lions River in KZN.
Midlands, South Africa (03 November 2025) – At just 16 years old, Michaelhouse learner Oliver Thompson has already realised the privilege of having access to a world-class education, a safe and nurturing school environment, and teachers who believe in him.
“I’ve come to realise that what I have is not just a gift, but a responsibility: to give others the same opportunities that have shaped me,” he shares.
It’s this realisation, coupled with the heartfelt desire to pay it forward, that inspired Oliver to found SHO – School Movement for Action, Reach & Transformation.
“Our mission is simple but powerful: to turn the basic right to education into a lived reality for children who are too often overlooked.”
The Journey Ahead
Currently, Lions River Preparatory School, situated in the Lions River village, faces various challenges. Negotiations are underway between the Department of Education, landowners, and SHO’s partners (including Michaelhouse) to secure a piece of land across the road that will one day host a permanent and improved campus for the rundown school.
But while the talks continue, Oliver believes the children shouldn’t have to wait. Families in the area are struggling to afford groceries because they must send their children to learning spaces far away.
“Every day lost is a day of opportunity denied. That is why we are starting immediately with temporary structures on available land. These classrooms will not be wasted. They are being designed so that they can later be relocated across the road and integrate seamlessly into the full school campus, built using the Natural Building Collective’s eco-friendly, recycled approach,” explains Oliver.
Building from Recycled Wonder
The Natural Building Collective is one of SHO’s partners and is a collaborative project that specialises in constructing beautiful, durable schools using recycled materials, including tyres, glass bottles, plastic bottle tops, eco-bricks, clay, and other reclaimed materials.
“Every wall built is a testament to circular design, where waste is given new life and communities become part of the building process. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also brings dignity, creativity, and a sense of ownership to everyone involved.”
The result is a school that is more than a building, but a symbol of possibility, created by many hands and many hearts, and rooted in sustainability.
The first build will be an Early Learning Development (ECD) Centre made from three full 40ft containers. Once in place, Oliver plans to paint the exterior in bold tropical shades with interactive features that will make the outside walls part of the learning experience.
The teen philanthropist also plans to include other practical and visually appealing features like solar panels, rainwater tanks, a nature-themed library nook, bright play zones, and creative corners that will transform the space into a world of imagination.
Why This Matters
Right now, the children at Lions River Prep learn in rundown, overcrowded classrooms with very limited resources.
“Yet every day, they show up with hope. I believe they deserve more than hope. They deserve opportunity. They deserve what I’ve had: a safe, inspiring space to learn, grow, and dream,” a passionate Oliver shares.
He is currently reaching out to the entire community, including corporations, parents, and compassionate individuals, to bring this school build to life and lay the first recycled brick and pay for the interim early learning centre.
“This project is my way of giving back for the privilege I’ve received. My dream is that, through SHO, we’ll create not just a school—but a legacy of access, compassion, and environmental stewardship.
“This is not just about classrooms. It’s about building community, dignity, and legacy. It’s about ensuring children in Lions River have access to education close to home, in a space that reflects creativity, sustainability, and possibility.”
SHO – School Movement for Action, Reach & Transformation is a registered non-profit organisation, led by a young man looking to build not just a school but a living symbol of access, compassion, and environmental stewardship.
Donations towards this cause can be made at www.shotrust.online. Alternatively, you can email Oliver at Olitho@michaelhouse.org
Sources: Supplied
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