The Every Child is Ours Foundation has been working with the
schools of Kanana in South Africa since the 90’s providing books to fill the libraries
of each of the schools both primary and secondary; with the help of Mary and
Zodwa Dlamini. They expressed the concern that many of the top students in the
Kanana schools did not have the opportunity to attend University due to many
hardship issues. These students graduating at the top of their classes needed
just a little more help to get that step up we all reach for.
In 2012 after many years of planning the doors finally
opened to the school for its first class of students. The starting class
numbered 32. With great hope the students hoped to come to a place with all the
tools needed to excel. The start of the
school was slow going, getting the computers, the internet and other resources continued
to be like the townships road bumps but by the end of the first semester the
school has access to 24 computers and the internet.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the United States
granted support for the school though assess to its training courses, Local
Fire and Police departments offered to support the students and the areas
Disaster Management Center also agreed to support the school though classroom lectures
national connections and resources like the laws and acts.
The Schools of Kanana opened their doors and a room was provided
for use at the Kanana Secondary School. The retired teachers union also has
provided a lot of support and help in working with the schools and principals.
Working every day for more resources and support the
students continue to grow in their understanding of the world of disaster management.
Each student developed Family Emergency Plans to address how their families
would address events that may happen in their homes. The students also were
asked by the Kanana Secondary School to help develop the schools EOP, Emergency
Operations Plan.
The model for this school is a first for South Africa and as
far as in known the world. To reach into a small township, an area with a very
low income group and unite the community to create and maintain a college for its
youth. It is the hope that this pattern can be successful and followed into
other areas around the world to not only lift and strengthen the resilience of
the people but provide avenues for greater education and success.
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How wonderful that our World Disaster Management Community College has its own blog! Thanks to Landon for setting this up and thanks to students for posting!
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading your posts, going forward, and to posting from time to time, as well.
Keep up the great work!
Your friend and faculty, Kay Goss
we are very greatful for everything that you have done for us we promise that more is still comming from us we will make sure that we strive for the success of this college.
Deletefrom a very dedicated and determined student,Eefilwe Khoza
Kay, it was a pleasure meeting you and your staff at the FEMA EMI HiED Symposium 2014 in Emmitsburg, MD. Landon establishing the connectivity to White Semoisi I feel is one of the more outstanding attractions then all other break-out sessions at the symposium. White Semoisi and the other students should each congratulate themselves for the outstanding work in establishing the facility, equipment, and ensuring the the growth of the college by promoting it within neighboring townships.
ReplyDeleteSincerely,
Charles D. Sharp
Chief Executive Officer
Black Emergency Managers Association
Washington, D.C,
We thank you and other Emergency Managers in the U.S who continue to provide us with information that will empower us in this field of Emergency Management.
ReplyDeleteWith support from you guys and the required funding, it is my wish for this college to grow and expand to other neighbouring townships. I have started reading more about BEMA, and I have encouraged other students as well.