Cape Town - “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” This quote by former president Nelson Mandela, is what the principal, staff and learners at Lotus High live up to.
In just six months, they managed to increase matric results from 32% to 65% in 2023, and now, they await the much-anticipated 2024 results next week.
Principal and captain of the ship, Stephen Price, has worked hard with his staff, learners and community to build and uplift his school into world-class status by creating a donation and sponsorship scheme – which saw the establishment of improved classrooms, a multifunctional research room, a renewed computer lab and consumer studies kitchen, gardens, branded uniform, sports courts and a school data management system.
Price shared his pride and joy via social media this week, showcasing a state-of-the-art library and shared how the school had achieved donations and sponsorships without having to wait on the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).
“As some of you may know, I started my journey at Lotus High in July 2023 for an initial six month contract,” he said.
“There was only one focus during that period, and it was to try and get as many matrics to pass as possible.
“Thankfully, with incredibly hard work from my staff and matrics, we surpassed our 50% pass rate target (from a disastrous 32% in June) by achieving a 65% pass rate in December 2023.
“When it became apparent that I would be staying for an additional 12 months until December 2024, we set ourselves four targets: to call for community fundraising, sponsorship and donations and to make quality education visible and to upgrade the facility wherever possible and to achieve an 80% NSC pass rate.”
Price rolled-up his sleeves and reached out to his surrounding communities and donations of textbooks, stationery, sports equipment and office equipment poured in from far and wide.
The school was also funded by radio stations to charities as Price drove his vision.
“School fees were donated, either in full or in monthly contributions of R60, uniforms and rain jackets were purchased,” he added.
“One Villager, who has requested anonymity, donated R236 000 which has financed school fees, uniforms and the renovation of the school Consumer Studies kitchen.
“Lotus High also received R480 000 in CSI funding throughout the year.
“Rotary Wynberg, Community Chest, Kfm and numerous other organisations and individuals bought into the Lotus High story with significant donations.
“Local Constantia resident, Rob Kent, facilitated a partnership with Reigate Grammar School in the UK, recently voted Independent Secondary School of the Year.
“Making quality education visible and facility development.
“So with three of our four objectives achieved thus far, we await the final matric results. Our target is 80%, 70% might be more realistic but let’s hope.
“My role is to consolidate, and expand, the community support of Lotus High by continuing to tell the Lotus High School story to all who will listen,” he said.
Education MEC, David Maynier, said Price has done an extraordinary job in shaping and changing everything around him.
“Stephen Price has done an excellent job in improving the quality of education at Lotus High School.
Under his leadership, teachers and learners have worked exceptionally hard to improve their results, and we really appreciate the way that communities have rallied to support them.
“This is an outstanding example of what can be achieved in a relatively short time when everyone works together, and we hope to see the school going from strength to strength in the years to come!”
To donate and find out more follow the school on : lotushighschool.co.za