In addition to Lonwabo's success, Sipho Camagu High School — another school supported by Golden Valley Wind Farm — achieved a 91.6% matric pass rate in 2024, a significant improvement from historically low pass rates in previous years, says Golden Valley Wind Farm. 

One of its learners also placed second overall in the district. While the company's involvement at Sipho Camagu focused primarily on end-of-year academic camps, the results underscore the positive impact of targeted support initiatives, the company adds.

Launched in 2021, Golden Valley Wind Farm says that the initiative stems from its commitment to addressing high dropout rates and low academic performance in the region's disadvantaged schools. 

Recognising the need for comprehensive support, Golden Valley says that it adopted Lonwabo High School in 2021 and implemented several impactful programmes. Initially, the partnership saw the company provide students with study guides to ensure continued learning after the COVID-19 disruptions.

A turning point came in 2022 when Lonwabo High School welcomed a new principal who shared Golden Valley's vision for transformation, the company adds.

"The partnership with ENGIE has been a game-changer for our school and community. We are so thankful for their unwavering support for the past four years," says L.V. Mafu, Headmaster of Lonwabo High School.

To bolster learners' academic performance, the school introduced extra classes for Grade 12 learners, which Golden Valley supported by providing balanced meals to improve concentration and energy levels. This was in addition to the government's feeding scheme, the company adds.

Furthermore, Golden Valley established an ICT centre equipped with laptops, screens and internet access at Lonwabo High School giving learners the digital skills and resources for tertiary education applications. Additionally, the wind farm installed a borehole and created a vegetable garden, Golden Valley Wind Farm says.

"This a true reflection of having the correct assistance to achieve greatness. The school went from being a low academic performing school to transitioning and being positioned first in the circuit and one of the few best schools in the Amathole West District. I am so proud of the work that was put in to get us this far," Mafu adds.

"Our goal has always been to create an enabling environment where learners can thrive," says Zandile Deliwe, Social Performance Manager at Golden Valley Wind Farm. "We're proud of the progress at Lonwabo High School and remain committed to supporting education and skills development in South Africa."

The wind farm concludes that, by focusing on education, it is empowering the youth and laying the groundwork for economic growth and employment opportunities in under-resourced areas.

For more information, visit www.engie.com. You can also follow ENGIE on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor