“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them…” Luke 18:16

U.S. Consulate (Durban) Public Affairs Officer, Megan Ellis, American Library Director, Thula Hlongwane, Fulbright scholar, Dr. Brian Augustine, and U.S. Consulate (Durban) Official, Thamsanqa Ngcobo present the books to the school.

The students are thrilled to show Principal Zodwa Molefe their new books!

]]> http://bonginkosi.wordpress.com/2009/07/08/school-receives-generous-book-donation/feed/ 0 jvonkuhn SANY0327 SANY0311 1010732 http://bonginkosi.wordpress.com/2009/06/18/phase-3/ http://bonginkosi.wordpress.com/2009/06/18/phase-3/#comments Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:12:28 +0000 jvonkuhn http://bonginkosi.wordpress.com/?p=624 ]]>

Project Manager, Paul Passaro, meets with Louis Pieterse and Johan Wessels from Banbric Building and the architect, Peter Howe, to discuss the layout for Phase III of the Bonginkosi School.

]]> http://bonginkosi.wordpress.com/2009/06/18/phase-3/feed/ 0 jvonkuhn p3b P3 A http://bonginkosi.wordpress.com/2009/05/28/thankful-for-an-ever-improving-learning-environment/ http://bonginkosi.wordpress.com/2009/05/28/thankful-for-an-ever-improving-learning-environment/#comments Thu, 28 May 2009 17:36:50 +0000 jvonkuhn http://bonginkosi.wordpress.com/?p=609 ]]> After 15 years of faithfully teaching her students without access to a standard blackboard, Principal Zodwa Molefe rejoices with thanksgiving for the newly added resources which have dramatically enhanced the students’ learning environment!

“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling” (Psalm 68:5).

Please view the short video (above) on the recent dedication service.

Mr. Peter Marais of Banbric Building and his colleagues have worked round-the-clock to build what will be one of the highest quality preschool facilities in KwaZulu-Natal.

Dr. Brian Augustine of James Madison University (USA) and Project Manager Paul Passaro work together to prepare the site.

Demand for the new school facility continues to rise:  There are currently 46 students enrolled (with 11 more on the waiting list), while the current school building is suitable for 20 students.

Paul & Kristi Passaro provide an introduction to the Bonginkosi School for Azusa Pacific University (USA) students.  Please take a look at APU’s short video overview of their partnership with the Bonginkosi School.

Azusa Pacific University students are delighted to meet Bonginkosi’s indefatigable caretaker, Mr. Sipho Sheyi.

Mr. Sheyi hard at work:  “Do you see a man skilled in his work?  He will serve before kings…” (Proverbs 22:29)

Mr. Denton Sibisi (Trustee), Mrs. Zodwe Molefe (Head Teacher) receive a project update on site from Paul Passaro and Jeremiah von Kuhn.

]]> http://bonginkosi.wordpress.com/2009/02/02/new-school-facility-nearing-completion/feed/ 0 passarofamily p1000832 p1000644 p1000837 picture-076 picture-203 picture-135 picture-035 picture-013 picture-021 picture-073 sany0294 sany0292crop http://bonginkosi.wordpress.com/2008/11/10/pietermaritzburg-mayor-visits-new-building-site/ http://bonginkosi.wordpress.com/2008/11/10/pietermaritzburg-mayor-visits-new-building-site/#comments Mon, 10 Nov 2008 22:56:25 +0000 passarofamily http://bonginkosi.wordpress.com/?p=280 ]]>

The students come to visit the new building site

Madame Mayor Hlatshwayo, granddaughter of the late ANC President and Nobel Laureate Chief Albert Luthuli, recently visited the site of the new Bonginkosi School and reviewed the plans for the new building.

The students are kicking up their heels in excitement!

Charlie and several students enjoy the "new digs" as Head Teacher Zodwa Molefe, Kristi, and Assistant Teacher Thembekile Meyiwe look on

Azusa Pacific University executives and board members visit the new building site

We are grateful to report that we broke ground on Phases I & II of the new Bonginkosi School building at the end of September and that construction is on track for the Bonginkosi students and staff to move into the new facility in early 2009.

Bonginkosi head teacher Zodwa Molefe recently brought some of her students to the new site -- Zodwa is already planning to hold the 2008 Bonginkosi kindergarten graduation celebration at the new building in late November!

Marking the foundation for the classrooms and dining area of Phases I & II

]]> http://bonginkosi.wordpress.com/2008/10/27/ground-breaking-news/feed/ 0 passarofamily sany0291 sany0286crop sany8921crop sany8952 sany90271 sany9032 sany9033 sany9036 img000911 http://bonginkosi.wordpress.com/2008/07/31/bonginkosi-board-set-to-move-on-project-phases-i-ii/ http://bonginkosi.wordpress.com/2008/07/31/bonginkosi-board-set-to-move-on-project-phases-i-ii/#comments Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:56:53 +0000 passarofamily http://bonginkosi.wordpress.com/?p=164 ]]> On July 29, 2008, the Bonginkosi Board of Trustees approved the design and project time frame for the construction of phases I and II of the new education facility. The proposed facility will provide a quality learning environment for the students, a manageable work space for the teachers, and a superior nutrition center for the learners enrolled at the school. Future expansion is expected to offer space for adult education and community outreach.  Paul Passaro has been appointed by the Trustees as the Project Manager for the construction project.

The sole obstacle remaining for the commencement of construction is the presence of “tenants” on the current property who have occupied the space without permission. According to South African law, such tenants fall under special status that requires judicial action for relocation, if the tenants decline alternative housing. Please pray that this situation will be resolved peacefully and quickly, so that the 34 current students of Bonginkosi, as well as the roughly 60 additional students this new facility would allow, might be able to have a quality place for learning and growing.