Axis Apprentice Helps Build Schools in South Africa Township

Axis Apprentice Painter and Decorator Francesca Fordham was selected to join a team of 300 volunteers from all over the world to help conduct works on two schools in a township in South Africa.

Fran applied for this project – to conduct building works at two schools in South Africa, – via her college, North Kent.  They had already awarded her the Principal’s Award and Apprentice of the Year Award.

Work began in the Township, located near Cape Town, at 8 o’clock in the morning. The volunteers were split into groups with building works across a variety of disciplines. One of the first projects included the maintenance of four classrooms, including painting and building bookcases.

Maintenance work continued to renovate a security hut and two toilet blocks. Building works were also needed on external benches and pathways between schools and classrooms. The volunteers also helped with marking out a basketball court. During the words at the schools, children would sing and read to the volunteers at lunchtime.

Read more about Axis’ apprenticeship scheme here.

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“I was very excited to go on the trip to South Africa and it was an amazing life changing opportunity. It was just incredible to see how everyone got stuck into working all week and didn’t stop until the very end.

It was challenging work, but it was worth it to see how much we changed the children’s school experience. I volunteered because I like to make a difference to other people’s lives.  I am planning on fundraising to go back next year.  I would recommend for anyone to go as it is such a great experience.” – Francesca Fordham