CMH embarked on this project in 2012 with the aim to significantly upgrade selected schools in rural areas. The objective of adoption is to support the creation and enhancement of a conducive learning environment at these schools.
"At CMH we strongly believe that the future of every company in the country, including CMH, lies in the hands of our children," says CEO Jebb McIntosh. "Without proper education, this will not be possible, and through our Adopt-A-School project we hope to equip our youth with the necessary skills to succeed in the workplace.
"We asked every employee of CMH and its First Car Rental subsidiary to participate and contribute to this cause," says McIntosh. "It is with great pride that I can report that CMH employees and management have until now raised over R250,000 for this cause."
The Kwamakhuta Comprehensive High School, located south of Durban, was identified as the first beneficiary. CMH employees visited the school in 2012 to identify urgent needs and since then the project has progressed well.
Based on discussions with the principal and the head of department of the technical department, CMH and First Car Rental staff started by assisting the school to buy new teaching aids and technical apparatus in the science and mechanical/technical streams (where some equipment is 30 years old), and by sponsoring sports gear for the school's three soccer teams.
Contractors and suppliers of desks, lab equipment, fittings, etc. were sourced and work on site commenced in early 2013. Plans for a new science lab were also drawn up and a costing from a quantity surveyor was also received.
Pupils and teachers got involved by gutting the existing classroom and removing the damaged equipment. Substantial structural work was then undertaken, including combining two small classrooms into one large classroom, re-levelling the floor in the classroom, repairing damaged windows, installing an insulated ceiling and installing plumbing and gas supplies for a science laboratory.
To date, all work has been completed, with only new furniture and laboratory equipment still needed for the lab to function effectively, bringing CMH close to achieving its goal of giving the Kwamakhuta students the education they deserve.
*To further emphasise the group's dedication and commitment towards education a total of 34 students recently enrolled into CMH and First Car Rental's ongoing 12-month learnership programme, aimed at the upskilling of unemployed candidates by providing a structured, outcomes-based workplace experience in a professional environment.
The main focus of the programme is to equip learners with the practical skills needed for a professional career within an industry of their choice.
Each learner is mentored on an individual basis by First Car Rental staff at branches and departments around Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. During this programme learners will also be assisted in their studies towards a Service Advisor qualification.
