York High School was established by parents, teachers and community members who saw a lack of English-medium public schools in the Knysna area. After a series of back-and-forths with the then Apartheid government that was opposed to this idea, favouring a primarily Afrikaans-language education system, the school opened its doors in 1975.

Today, the school’s doors have been open for 47 years. It has gone from 160 learners to 900 but the core values of delivering quality education, creating a safe space for learners of all backgrounds and identities and facilitating subjects and extracurricular activities that motivate and encourage learners have remained.

This school is now looking towards the future. Buying solar cells in this project will ensure that York High School isn’t just known for its front page-worthy history but for their contribution to a sustainable future for generations to come.