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Islamic Relief, UUCSA and NHTKL Demonstrate the Power of Partnership Through Education and Community Development at Thandokwethu Primary School.
DUDUDU, KWAZULU-NATAL – Islamic Relief South Africa (IRSA) recently welcomed representatives from the United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA), the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL), the South African National Women’s Forum, the Department of Education and local community leadership at Thandokwethu Primary School in Dududu, KwaZulu-Natal, for a stakeholder engagement showcasing the impact of a transformative education and community development project.
The visit brought together faith leaders, traditional leadership and humanitarian stakeholders to witness first-hand the successful rehabilitation of the school and explore how collaborative partnerships can contribute to sustainable development, educational advancement and social cohesion.
Built many years ago by members of the Dududu community to ensure local children had access to education, Thandokwethu Primary School had, by 2022, fallen into severe disrepair. Learners and educators were faced with hazardous asbestos roofing, flooding classrooms, broken doors and windows, inadequate sanitation facilities and limited access to clean water.
Following a request for assistance from one of the school’s teachers, Islamic Relief embarked on a comprehensive rehabilitation project aimed at restoring the school and creating a safe, dignified learning environment for learners and teachers alike.
During the visit, stakeholders toured the upgraded facilities and engaged with learners, educators and community members to better understand the impact of the intervention and the role that strategic investment in education can play in improving educational outcomes and strengthening communities.
The project has transformed the school through extensive infrastructure upgrades, including the replacement of hazardous roofing, the renovation of classrooms and administration facilities, and significant improvements to water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure. It also includes the establishment of a library, providing learners with access to books, educational resources and a dedicated space for learning and development. In addition, a sustainable borehole now provides clean water not only to the school but also to more than 2,000 residents in the surrounding Dududu community.
“We were honoured, as UUCSA, to be present at this momentous occasion, witnessing the rehabilitation of the school by Islamic Relief in the presence of the Chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders and representatives from the Department of Education. This investment will help ensure that these children receive a quality education that will have a meaningful and lasting impact on their lives.” says Moulana Abdul Khaaliq Allie, President of United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA)
As part of the programme, IRSA also introduced the Goal Getters Project, a learner empowerment initiative designed to strengthen confidence, resilience and academic performance. Thandokwethu Primary School is one of eight schools selected to participate in the programme, which forms part of IRSA’s broader commitment to holistic child development and educational support. UUCSA and the South African National Women’s Forum also distributed blankets and essential winter items to learners at the school, providing additional support during the winter season.
At a time when South Africa continues to seek opportunities to foster greater social cohesion, the partnership between faith leaders, traditional leadership and the humanitarian sector sends a powerful message of unity and collective responsibility in improving the lives of all South Africans, regardless of race or religion. It demonstrates a shared commitment to education and community development, and showcases how diverse institutions can work together to address social challenges and create sustainable impact.
The successful rehabilitation of Thandokwethu Primary School also reflects the positive contribution of the South African Muslim community towards sustainable development and community upliftment, demonstrating how faith-inspired action can help create lasting change in underserved communities.
“To the learners of Thandokwethu Primary: this school is yours. Dream big, work hard, and know that your community, your leaders and your country believe in you. You are the heartbeat of this nation. Take this powerful weapon of education and change the world. Thank you, Ngiyabonga kakhulu, and may this project bring continuous blessings to Dududu for generations to come. Ameen,” says Yusuf Mohamed, CEO of Islamic Relief South Africa.