A reunion of former pupils of Rylands High School has led to the establishment of an alumni group, and a bursary fund of R50 000.
The seed for the Rylands High School Alumni Association was planted four years ago, but it was only after the 2015 reunion of former pupils – from 1979 to 1990 – that it was born.
Alumni member Farhaana Allie said their role was to preserve the heritage of the school, support its activities, establish and maintain networks, and obtain funds and resources to assist the school.
The alumni hosted a fundraising dinner on Friday October 27 at the Ghousia Manzil venue in Rylands, where they also presented the school with a cheque for
R50 000.
“The main objective of this fundraising initiative was to launch the Rylands High School (RHS) Alumni Bursary Fund. A cheque was presented to the fund by our chairman, Khalil Sungay, and deputy chairman, Ashraf Parker.
“The RHS Bursary Fund comprises two teachers, two school governing body (SGB) members and four RHS Alumni members. These representatives will, at the time of an applicant requesting for funding, follow the rules applicable to granting the necessary funding,” Ms Allie said.
She added that on the night of the gala dinner, they also presented excellence awards to those who had served the school for more than 20 years.
“In addition to this, we as the RHS Alumni, have launched our new-look website, a common place where all ex-Rylanders (pupils and teachers) can register and reconnect,” she said.
The alumni drafted and adopted a constitution for governance, selected an executive committee and also a working committee, who are passionate and drive fundraising initiatives.
“These are all measures (put) in place to grow the organisation. The group is also in the process of formalising the organisation as a non-profit organisation, and is planning an annual general meeting for next year.”
Former principal, Ismail Waja, encouraged the group to continue their good work and to grow the alumni to bring all former pupils and teachers on board.
Mr Sungay said the dinner was a success because of the “support of many sponsors, donors and well-wishers”.
“We as the RHS Alumni are grateful to them for their assistance and willingness to always give back. We were entertained by singers, Khalil Dalwai, Fayyazi Mohamed, Nur Leeman, dancers from the Bollywood Fitness group and the comedian, Waseef Piekaan. We invite all ex-Rylanders to log onto our website and help us to grow our community and also give back to where it all started for most of us – our high school,” Mr Sungay added. Visit the website at www.rhsalumni.co.za or its FaceBook page, #RHSAlumni2017.
