Alumni make history at Eros

Hazel Allies-Husselman

hazel.allies@acm.co.za

For the first time in its 55-year history, Eros School in Bridgetown has an alumni group.

On Saturday March 8, former pupils, and former and current teachers, gathered at the school's hostel to launch the group. 

The seed was planted by Sandra Fortuin, a retired teacher, who got her family and church members involved in fund-raisers to upgrade the hostel.

On Saturday, Ms Fortuin handed the baton to a committee of former pupils, some of whom also stayed at the hostel, to continue the work she started.

Naomi Mxego-Cupido, one of the interim committee members, said she was happy to connect with her former peers and is prepared to put in the work to restore the school's infrastructure to its former glory.

"The hostel needs a facelift — inside and out. The reason we are here today is to show the current pupils that we are here to pay it forward so that they, too can be inspired to do this. We are here with a positive outlook towards the future," she said.

Ms Mxego-Cupido, who matriculated in 2005, works as a receptionist and administrator for a media company.

"I would not have had the opportunities I enjoyed if it was not for the foundation I received here. Mainstream schools cannot accommodate pupils with special needs. This is why I feel it's important that we give back — not just monetary, but also your time, your skills and your network. Life at the hostel, and in my case, the values instilled by my mother and the rest of my family, taught me and my classmates, independence. Government funding is limited, and from what I can see, some of the immediate needs of the hostel include bedding, curtains and paint. Many of the pupils at the hostel come from outside of Cape Town and their families cannot afford to contribute to the maintenance of the building. I came from East London to attend school here and I am grateful for the education I received here," Ms Mxego-Cupido added.

Another former pupil, Cameron Malan, said many pupils come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

"Besides the financial challenges many face, there are also the social issues they have to deal with at home. I remember coming to the hostel to experience love for the first time. The love I received from my teachers and the hostel staff made me the man I am today. The launch of our alumni is more than just fundraising — here we can even share opportunities that are available. Not all of us want to depend on a disability grant. My disability does not affect my ability," he said.

Sheena Overmeyer works at Stellenbosch University. She attended Eros from 3 years old, before going to a mainstream school in Grade 9.

"My time at Eros gave me the confidence to tackle anything I put my mind to. Our schooling here helped to build our character and instilled important values. We are not ashamed of our disabilities. The alumni is such a big thing for me. I want us to be as proud of this institution as former students of Stellenbosch University. Here we are forging a powerful group to make a difference in society. Here we can also plant the seed for further education," Ms Overmeyer said.

Another former pupil, Matthew Cupido, said Eros was a home away from home.

"I am grateful for being able to reconnect with my former classmates. This is also an immense opportunity for us to give back. I would like to thank the staff for their role in our lives. Here we received stability and discipline," Mr Cupido said.

Principal Colin Haupt said the launch was a historic moment.

"The school is in dire need of funds. The alumni can use their influence and contacts to help us raise funds. We need to improve our infrastructure, as the funds we receive from the education department is not enough. Today, history was made, as we never had an alumni group, but it was also a reunion and it is so nice to see some of the former learners. Not everybody could be here today, but we will make contact with the others to get more on board," Mr Haupt said.