The Brakpan Shul is now a place of learning for young minds as the building has slowly been turned into a school and educational centre.
Brakpan, South Africa (19 July 2023) – The Brakpan Shul might not have had its doors open in an official capacity for years, however, it continues to be a haven of life and hope for the surrounding community, predominantly the community of Plastic City, a nearby informal settlement. The shul’s premises is now being used by The Harvest Centre and the centre’s Blessings Eco Preparatory School. Over 90 children attend the school’s crèche and primary school facilities.
On Mandela Day (18 July), a new wing of the centre was officially opened: The Harvest Centre of Education and Equality. This milestone was celebrated by the learners of the school and its management, alongside members of the public and media; and board delegates from the South African Jewish Board of Deputies and the World Jewish Congress, who sponsored the classroom.
It’s not just the impressive growth of the centre and school which has won the hearts of residents, but also the main message given by centre management: that life can and should be embraced in all circumstances.
Yakima Waner, school co-founder and founder of The Harvest Centre on the site, explained everything on the premises was geared at preparing the children for life. As part of this approach, the staff teach the children about sustainability. There are different vegetable gardens on the site, which the children help to manage; as well as a wall made of eco-bricks, supplied by learners from King David School, Linksfield. These eco-bricks have been made from recycled materials.
Even the new facility, which was celebrated on Tuesday, is geared towards life and sustainability. It has skylights, allowing in natural light, and recycled plastic floors, among other features.
Having taken Tuesday’s guests on a tour of the premises and shown them various vegetable patches, with plants grown from seeds sown by the children, Waner explained:
“In the ghettoes during the holocaust, the children were taught how to grow plants and food, to give them hope in the face of dire circumstances. This hope made them strong in the face of death. However, we want to make our children, many of whom come from trying circumstances, strong to face life.”
Explaining the name of the new facility, The Harvest Centre of Education and Equality, she continued:
“We believe here that every person is equal. This is something we teach our children.”
Most of the children come from Plastic City, which houses mostly refugees. Having Jewish heritage, she explained that her ancestors had experienced the pain of exclusion and prejudice – and she believed that it was imperative to teach children that each human life matters and should be honoured.
Choosing life in the face of adversity is a lesson she and her team hope the children will carry into adulthood.
This message is cemented in the story of the school’s beginnings.
Waner explained the school’s miraculous growth had its origin in the story of a little girl called Blessing.
Blessing is one of the children of school co-founder Jessie Nkosi, who has been the breadwinner for her children. When Blessing was younger, Jessie had to leave her in another’s care, and the little girl by accident ingested a large quantity of poison.
Her life in the balance, Jessie knew changes had to be made concerning Blessing and her other children’s daily care. She determined that she would ensure that the area had a local crèche so that children growing up in Plastic City remained safe and began life on a good footing.
She began a crèche in a small holding in the informal settlement, and this is where Waner met her. Her heart was so touched by the little children, she chose to partner with Nkosi.
SAJBD national chairperson Wendy Kahn said she and her team had begun to work alongside Waner, Nkosi and their team during Covid-19. She called the growth of the school a miracle.
“This centre is something the community can celebrate. While the shul closed its doors as a local Jewish meeting place years ago, its legacy lives on through the children.”
At Tuesday’s launch, the children gathered to sing, ‘This Little Light Of Mine’ for visitors, and to showcase their artwork. Among the group of performers was Blessing, standing strong and secure alongside her peers. The new classroom facility will be used to school grade 3 learners, of which the school has quite a few, including Blessing, who has grown with the school. It is anticipated the school will continue to expand to accommodate the children’s schooling needs.
“It is a belief in the Jewish community that each person should grow at least one tree during their lifetime,” said Waner.
Through learning to sow and observe the miraculous growth of plants, the children are taught to remain in awe of the gift of life. And it all began with a Blessing.
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