Community Action Brings Progress at Van Coller Primary School

Van Coller Primary Sees Progress as Community, Education Department Act

Komani, Eastern Cape – There have been significant developments at Van Coller Primary School in Komani, following sustained engagement between parents, the community, school leadership and the Department of Education over the past two days.

According to an update shared with stakeholders, a series of meetings held at the school have been described as productive, with immediate interventions now underway to address long-standing infrastructure and safety concerns that previously led to the temporary suspension of school operations.

Immediate repair work begins

On Thursday, grass cutting commenced at the school premises as part of efforts to restore a safe and orderly environment. Materials required to repair and replace damaged toilets have been purchased, marking a key step towards resolving one of the major concerns raised by parents.

In addition, the installation of burglar bars at the toilet facilities is scheduled to begin on Friday. This will be followed by repairs to the school fence, which forms part of broader safety measures aimed at protecting learners and school property.

Work on the toilet facilities is expected to continue over the weekend to ensure progress ahead of the next major stakeholder engagement.

Critical meeting set for Sunday

A community and parents’ meeting has been scheduled for Sunday, 18 January 2026, at 15:00, to be held at the school. The meeting will involve parents, community members, the School Governing Body (SGB), the school principal and officials from the Department of Education.

The purpose of the meeting will be to conduct an on-site assessment of the school’s condition, evaluate its readiness to reopen, and deliberate on immediate actions as well as longer-term demands raised by the community regarding infrastructure and learner safety.

The outcome of this meeting is expected to play a key role in determining when normal school operations may resume.

Community support and volunteer call

Parents and community members have committed to assisting the school over the coming days to ensure it is ready for inspection. A call has been made to individuals and organisations who may be able to help, whether through volunteering, cleaning services, or the provision of equipment and materials.

The collective effort reflects growing collaboration between the school and the community, with stakeholders expressing a shared goal of creating a safe, functional and dignified learning environment for learners.