DZANANI - After realising that pupils from Maname Paradise in Dzanani had to walk more than four kilometres to school at Tshikuwi Village, Dr Ntavhanyeni Phaswana founded the Combined Independent School at the settlement, in an effort to address the problem.

The Dr NS Phaswana Combined Independent School was officially opened by Thovhele Toni Mphephu Ramabulana on November 8 at Maname Paradise. Dr Phaswana said that the construction of the school started last March, and was completed in September this year.

When asked what prompted him to open the Independent School at the village, Phaswana elaborated that there is no school in the settlement, to bring quality education, "as the morale of education in public schools is down," and to assist learners who were walking long distances to the nearby schools.

He added that it is also his hope that through education, pupils from the previously disadvantaged communities could socially rise beyond the poverty level and "make it in life".

The Combined Independent School will register learners from Grade 0 to Grade 5 next year. At the school, learners will be taught English first language and Afrikaans second language. According to Phaswana, African languages like Tshivenda will be implemented in years to come. In addition, pupils would also have the advantage of learning two foreign languages, namely Arabic and German.

"Unlike in the public schools, we will maintain discipline to the satisfactory of the parents and guardians" he said. He said that by 2005, the school will be increased to Grade 7 and thereafter grades would be increased until Grade 12.

"There will be no neutrality at the school; learners will learn and teachers will teach," he said. Registration is conducted at the school every Saturday from 12:00 to 15:00 and enquiries can be made at 082 969 5208 or 072 202 7738.

Dr Phaswana holds a degree in Science of Religion from Unisa. He taught at Frank Ravele, Ramabulana, Mulenga, Patrick Ramaano, Makhado and Modjadji Multi-Purpose Centres. He is also working as a part-time lecturer at Unisa, the University of Pretoria and Techniven.