This is the third year in which the Grade 8 body of Wynberg Boys' High School have committed themselves to building a house.  This has been achieved each year under the leadership of the Habitat for Humanity organisation (www.habitat.org.za).  Habitat for Humanity is a grassroots, Christian-based organisation that works in partnership with communities to eliminate poverty housing.

In the first week of the fourth term each year, the Grade 8’s have built a house in just five days.  This year they have built a home for Edith and Andries in Wallacedene (near Kraaifontein).  Together with Habitat for Humanity, the boys build a 50 m2 house.  This consists of a concrete foundation, external walls, a tiled roof and wooded doors and windows.

A huge challenge is raising the R50000 that pays for the materials of the house.  Each year the Grade 8 boys and their parents undertake a number of projects in order to raise this amount.  These projects have included car washes, approaching businesses for financial backing, coordinating market days, conducting raffles, donating funds directly, etc.

Habitat is dedicated to eliminating poverty housing and homelessness in SA and to making the provision of adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action.  Habitat believes that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety.

Habitat is about more than building a house. 

It’s about establishing a home for a family, transforming a community and building a nation.