Pre-school, Grade R learners at a Salt River, Western Cape, school have long run the risk of serious injury playing on an uneven, tarred surface, but no longer – thanks to the installation of a brand new R368 000 soft Astro-turf topping.
The Astro-turf playing surface was recently donated by the South African Muslim Charitable Trust (SAMCT) in the interests of promoting child safety at the town’s Cecil Road Primary School, which first opened its doors to young learners in 1937.
Reflecting on the new Astro-turf installation, SAMCT representative, Mr Faried Boltman, said: “A school playground is an ideal setting in which learners are able to socialise and engage in physical activity. However, unsafe playgrounds pose a serious risk to the well-being of learners and, therefore, the safety of, especially, small children at school are a matter of paramount importance. A playground setting, its equipment and activities create increased risk and can lead to accidents and injuries. Accordingly, play areas must be appropriately designed and constructed with the safety of users top-of-mind.”
He added: “A suitable play area for the small Grade R learners at the Cecil Road Primary School was identified early on as a priority, but the school lacked the financial muscle to give effect to the installation of an appropriate surface. We, of the SAMCT, learned of this critical need and were quick to assist, sponsoring the installation of a much more forgiving Astro-turf surface for the youngsters’ playground.”
“Fortunately, daily injuries, the result of tripping and falling on the rough tarred surface, had been relatively minor, but it was only a matter of time before a child suffered a potentially severe injury.”
The SAMCT was created in 2008, the result of a partnership between Old Mutual Unit Trusts and Al Baraka Bank, for the creation, marketing and distribution of a suite of Shariah Funds. The organisation provides funding, services and other resources to improve the lives of the vulnerable, deprived and disadvantaged. It has successfully delivered sizeable assistance solutions throughout South Africa – irrespective of race or religion – and continues to work to support needy organisations in the fields of healthcare, social development, poverty alleviation and education.
“Given that playground fall hazards commonly include fractures and head injuries, we are pleased to have been able to partner with the Cecil Road Primary School to create a new playground environment which prioritises safety, minimises risk and optimises the positive impact of play on a child’s development. This safe new facility will also help promote a culture of safety which extends beyond the playground, fostering a secure and nurturing educational environment, Mr Boltman stressed.
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For more information about the SAMCT or its Cecil Road Primary School Astro-Turf Play Area donation, please contact:
Rasheeda Motala
Social Responsibility Officer
Tel: 084 506 2280
Email: samct@samct.co.za
www.samct.co.za