Stanger Secondary School - Fundanami Learning Centre

Fundanami Learning Centre

One of the most significant benefits Stanger Secondary has gained from the twinning agreement is the construction of a state-of-the-art Learning Centre at the heart of the school. This centre was named "Fundanami" by the learners of the school. "Fundanami" is an Isizulu word meaning "Learn With Me". Construction began in May 2008 and completed in November 2008. The Centre was officially opened on 19 March 2009 in a function graced by many local representatives in education as well as the Kwazulu Natal Minister of Education, Ina Cronje. The Centre is managed by Mrs A. Namath. The centre aims to be a multimedia and literacy hub. Literacy, being a major problem in the school, is tackled by means of a Reading Assistance Programme. Since the start of 2009, two reading assistants, Mrs T. Singh and Miss A. Dougmore were employed by the Fundanami Trust to assist Grade 8 learners who possess a very low reading age. The learners were identified by means of a Reading Test conducted in January 2009. Learners who progress in their reading age are rewarded with a Participation Certificate. The first two certificates were presented at the centre's official opening on 19 March 2009, by Mike Wood, head of the Fundanami Trust. In addition to the Reading Programme, the centre is also utilized for a period called "Special English" (for Grades 8 to 12) - basically a Library Period where learners are encouraged to borrow books and read. Additionally the centre is used for Computer Literacy lessons (for Grades 8 and 9) - a period when basic computer skills are taught.