South Africa, May 28 -- The school, which accommodates 1,760 learners and is the only non-fee-paying facility in the area, was left completely unusable after year-end storms levelled six classrooms and severely damaged the rest. Learners were temporarily relocated to neighbouring schools in January and have had to endure lengthy, expensive and potentially dangerous commutes.

The extensive rebuilding project, which is a multi-million-rand investment, is fully funded by the Hollywood Foundation. Construction began in March and is expected to be completed by end of May with the official handover scheduled to follow soon afterwards.

At the time of the destructive weather, Umzilikazi Secondary School was already grappling with ageing buildin...