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Hydroscand school project in South-Africa
In 1969, Hydroscand opened its first store and has since grown into a global group operating in 20 countries. With success comes both responsibility and the opportunity to make a difference – something Hydroscand takes very seriously. Hydroscand is actively involved in supporting various initiatives in Appelsbosch, South Africa, where we contribute to schools and preschools. Each year, Hydroscand also awards scholarships to the top student or students at the school. These scholarships provide the recipients with the opportunity to complete a secondary education funded by Hydroscand — a commitment that has already changed, and will continue to change, the future prospects of many children in Appelsbosch.
Our owner, Björn Holmström, explains:
“In the spring of 2011, Hydroscand established operations in South Africa through the acquisition of a company based in Johannesburg. During this time, we visited the village of Appelsbosch in KwaZulu-Natal, where representatives from Hydroscand were shown around Inqolayolwazi Primary School. The visit moved me deeply, as the school was neglected and the classrooms were overcrowded with students. We were struck by the children’s enthusiasm for learning despite the challenging school environment.
During our visit, it became clear that the school was in a difficult financial situation and would not receive public funding to build additional classrooms or hire more teachers. It was then decided that Hydroscand would donate the funds needed to construct a new building with additional classrooms. This marked the beginning of Hydroscand’s engagement with the school, which has since expanded to include support for the preschool and the scholarship program.”
View the story
Since 2011, Hydroscand has been committed to supporting a school and preschool in South Africa, helping to improve the students’ everyday lives and future prospects. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, Hydroscand is launching a fund to provide even greater support for the students. We are also making a substantial anniversary donation to the fund. Watch the film about our school project and see what we — together with dedicated local partners — have achieved over the past eight years.
Three new classrooms
When the church and local businesses heard about Hydroscand’s donation, they launched a fundraising campaign. The campaign raised enough funds to build a third classroom. Louis and Edna Freese, who run a farm in Appelsbosch, volunteered to lead the construction project after learning about the initiative. The new classrooms were built by local contractors with strong support from the students’ parents and farmers in the area.
The new school building turned out to be of much higher quality than the existing facilities — so much so that the Department of Education later funded a minor renovation of the older buildings. As a result of Hydroscand’s commitment, three new classrooms were completed, providing students and teachers with a greatly improved learning environment.
Sports facilities and library for play and development
The next step was to create more space for physical activities and to provide materials that inspire creativity and learning. Thanks to support from Hydroscand, the school was also able to invest in new books for its library. Teachers and school management worked together carefully to select relevant books and educational materials for the students.
The land surrounding the school, which had previously been unused, was leveled and turned into grassy fields to give students the opportunity to engage in sports and other physical activities. This is a key focus area for Inqolayolwazi Primary School, which is recognized as a health-promoting school.
The inadequate air conditioning in the computer room was replaced, and alongside the improved environment, the school made a major investment in new computers and tablets.
Hydroscand also financed the installation of new drainage and sewage systems to divert excess water, as well as the construction of a new access road to the school. In addition, the school’s toilets underwent a complete renovation.
Preschool helps prepare for successful learing
During the course of the project, discussions arose about the importance of providing a solid foundation for children starting school. The environment and educational standards at the nearby preschool were poor, leaving the children under-stimulated and ill-prepared for primary education.
Hydroscand wanted to contribute by improving the preschool environment as well. The donation made it possible to renovate the existing facilities and construct a new building to accommodate more children and activities. In addition, new toilets were built, the outdoor area was upgraded, and playground equipment and swings were installed in the yard.
Scholarship for a brighter future
Together with external donors, Hydroscand has funded five years of secondary education for several students who graduated at the top of their class. Each year, Hydroscand awards new scholarships to enable hardworking students to continue their studies.
Our first scholarship recipient, Zama, has just completed her first year at the University of Durban, passing all her subjects and thus qualifying to continue to her second year. Zama was admitted on her own merits and received a university scholarship. Since she was already granted that scholarship, Hydroscand chose instead to support her with funding for other expenses related to her continued studies.
In 2020, no scholarships could be awarded due to COVID-19 restrictions. As a result, Hydroscand and its external donors awarded two scholarships in 2021 instead.
One of the students who received a scholarship in 2021 expressed their gratitude in a letter to the company: “Thank you for the scholarship you have given me, and thank you for providing me with a blanket, pillows, and all the other things I will need for my studies. I also want to thank Hydroscand for giving me the opportunity to attend Our Lady of the Rosary Secondary School. Hydroscand has made it easier for me to achieve my dreams and reach my goals.”
The images below show excerpts from letters written by Hydroscand’s previous scholarship recipients.
The commitment continues
Hydroscand will continue to award scholarships to students with strong academic performance. In addition, further initiatives are planned to improve the daily lives of the students at the school and preschool in Appelsbosch.
Hydroscand school project in South-Africa
In 1969, Hydroscand opened its first store and has since grown into a global group operating in 20 countries. With success comes both responsibility and the opportunity to make a difference – something Hydroscand takes very seriously. Hydroscand is actively involved in supporting various initiatives in Appelsbosch, South Africa, where we contribute to schools and preschools. Each year, Hydroscand also awards scholarships to the top student or students at the school. These scholarships provide the recipients with the opportunity to complete a secondary education funded by Hydroscand — a commitment that has already changed, and will continue to change, the future prospects of many children in Appelsbosch.
Our owner, Björn Holmström, explains:
“In the spring of 2011, Hydroscand established operations in South Africa through the acquisition of a company based in Johannesburg. During this time, we visited the village of Appelsbosch in KwaZulu-Natal, where representatives from Hydroscand were shown around Inqolayolwazi Primary School. The visit moved me deeply, as the school was neglected and the classrooms were overcrowded with students. We were struck by the children’s enthusiasm for learning despite the challenging school environment.
During our visit, it became clear that the school was in a difficult financial situation and would not receive public funding to build additional classrooms or hire more teachers. It was then decided that Hydroscand would donate the funds needed to construct a new building with additional classrooms. This marked the beginning of Hydroscand’s engagement with the school, which has since expanded to include support for the preschool and the scholarship program.”
View the story
Since 2011, Hydroscand has been committed to supporting a school and preschool in South Africa, helping to improve the students’ everyday lives and future prospects. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, Hydroscand is launching a fund to provide even greater support for the students. We are also making a substantial anniversary donation to the fund. Watch the film about our school project and see what we — together with dedicated local partners — have achieved over the past eight years.
Three new classrooms
When the church and local businesses heard about Hydroscand’s donation, they launched a fundraising campaign. The campaign raised enough funds to build a third classroom. Louis and Edna Freese, who run a farm in Appelsbosch, volunteered to lead the construction project after learning about the initiative. The new classrooms were built by local contractors with strong support from the students’ parents and farmers in the area.
The new school building turned out to be of much higher quality than the existing facilities — so much so that the Department of Education later funded a minor renovation of the older buildings. As a result of Hydroscand’s commitment, three new classrooms were completed, providing students and teachers with a greatly improved learning environment.
Sports facilities and library for play and development
The next step was to create more space for physical activities and to provide materials that inspire creativity and learning. Thanks to support from Hydroscand, the school was also able to invest in new books for its library. Teachers and school management worked together carefully to select relevant books and educational materials for the students.
The land surrounding the school, which had previously been unused, was leveled and turned into grassy fields to give students the opportunity to engage in sports and other physical activities. This is a key focus area for Inqolayolwazi Primary School, which is recognized as a health-promoting school.
The inadequate air conditioning in the computer room was replaced, and alongside the improved environment, the school made a major investment in new computers and tablets.
Hydroscand also financed the installation of new drainage and sewage systems to divert excess water, as well as the construction of a new access road to the school. In addition, the school’s toilets underwent a complete renovation.
Preschool helps prepare for successful learing
During the course of the project, discussions arose about the importance of providing a solid foundation for children starting school. The environment and educational standards at the nearby preschool were poor, leaving the children under-stimulated and ill-prepared for primary education.
Hydroscand wanted to contribute by improving the preschool environment as well. The donation made it possible to renovate the existing facilities and construct a new building to accommodate more children and activities. In addition, new toilets were built, the outdoor area was upgraded, and playground equipment and swings were installed in the yard.
Scholarship for a brighter future
Together with external donors, Hydroscand has funded five years of secondary education for several students who graduated at the top of their class. Each year, Hydroscand awards new scholarships to enable hardworking students to continue their studies.
Our first scholarship recipient, Zama, has just completed her first year at the University of Durban, passing all her subjects and thus qualifying to continue to her second year. Zama was admitted on her own merits and received a university scholarship. Since she was already granted that scholarship, Hydroscand chose instead to support her with funding for other expenses related to her continued studies.
In 2020, no scholarships could be awarded due to COVID-19 restrictions. As a result, Hydroscand and its external donors awarded two scholarships in 2021 instead.
One of the students who received a scholarship in 2021 expressed their gratitude in a letter to the company: “Thank you for the scholarship you have given me, and thank you for providing me with a blanket, pillows, and all the other things I will need for my studies. I also want to thank Hydroscand for giving me the opportunity to attend Our Lady of the Rosary Secondary School. Hydroscand has made it easier for me to achieve my dreams and reach my goals.”
The images below show excerpts from letters written by Hydroscand’s previous scholarship recipients.
The commitment continues
Hydroscand will continue to award scholarships to students with strong academic performance. In addition, further initiatives are planned to improve the daily lives of the students at the school and preschool in Appelsbosch.