South Africa: Edu Invest celebrated the expansion of SPARK Schools. It is powered by Wesgro, which is committed to attract the investment into the education sector of the Western Cape. It mainly focuses on developing new schools.
Edu Invest is working on many missions in line and they are proud to participate in the recent sod-turning ceremony for SPARK Schools’ Eerste River campus expansion.
The Eerste River campus is currently serving 728 learners and will transition from temporary units to a state-of-the-art facility. It will also enhance the quality education in the region.
Considering this, Education Minister of Western Cape – David Maynier highlighted the importance of the development amidst departmental constraints and stated that as the demand for quality education continues to grow across the Western Cape, the initiatives like SPARK Schools’ expansion are vital in ensuring that every learner has access to the best possible opportunities.
Maynier added, “We commend SPARK Schools for their commitment to excellence and innovation in education and we look forward to the positive impact, that this project will have on students.”
World Bank has recently shared the Education Analysis in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Education. The analysis includes the details related to critical areas within the education landscape that requires investment and effort to transform the education for the Western Cape region.
This also emphasised the need for more classrooms and schools to address the overcrowding. The report recognises budget constraints and recommended the increase in private sector involvement.
It also noted that the independent school enrolment in the Western Cape remains now by international standards.
CEO of Wesgro – Wrenelle Stander hailed the expansion and stated that with the rising demand for educational facilities as well as access to quality learning in the Western Cape this development is a key step towards meeting the demands and improving educational outcomes for learners across the province.
Stander added it demonstrates what is possible if we help unlocking higher levels of private sector investment into the education sector.
SPARK Schools operates under as asset-light model, with long-term lease agreements that allowed it to focus on delivering exceptional education while maintaining the flexibility. The Eerste River expansion reflects the approach.
Managing Director at SPARK Schools – Earl Sampson expressed that they are excited to move forward with this significant milestone. According to him, transitioning from temporary units to a permanent facility will provide greater stability and an enriched learning environment for the learners.
“With the support of partners like Century Property Developments, we are bringing our vision to life,” added Sampson.
Construction of the new primary school building began in September 2024 and is scheduled to get complete by May 2025.
Moreover, the project highlights SPARK Schools’ commitment to provide affordable, high-quality education in South Africa.