The Free State Department of Education (FSDoE) in partnership with Kagiso
Trust (KT) and Amalgamated Banks of South Africa (ABSA) through the Beyers Naude Schools Development Programme (BNSDP) hosted an infrastructure launch in five schools in Qwaqwa, in Thabo Mofutsanyane district.
The programme’s major focus is improving teaching and learning conditions in schools. The key feature of this collaborative effort is to create keen interest among learners in subjects such as mathematics and science. The mission of the programme is to ‘foster and create functional, vibrant, healthy, accountable and sustainable school communities that impact positively on the schooling and after schooling of learners’.
The infrastructure launches included:
* the refurbishment of the science laboratory and the supply of science equipment as well as chemicals at Reahola Secondary School
* a newly built computer centre and the supply of computers as well as connection thereof at Mmathabo Secondary School
* a newly built computer centre, installation of computers and connection thereof, refurbishment of the science laboratory and the supply of science equipment as well as chemicals, refurbishment of the library and the supply of books thereof at Moteka Secondary
* refurbishment of the library and the supply of library books, refurbishment of the science laboratory and the supply of science equipment as well as chemicals, conversion of the existing structure into a computer centre as well as the installation of computers at Tsebo Secondary
* a newly built, fully equipped computer centre, refurbishment of the library and the supply of library books, refurbishment of the science laboratory and the supply of science equipments and chemicals at Thlorong Secondary.
The Chief Executive Officer of Kagiso Trust, Mr Kgotso Schoeman said it can never be right for children in rural areas not to have basic facilities in their schools, not right for grade 12s not to know how to log onto a computer. He expressed their commitment for all children to access quality education. Schoeman called on all educators, learners and parents to support each other for them to accomplish their mission of a brighter future and better life for all.
“The infrastructure launched today should be seen as a commitment by Kagiso Trust to ensure that our children get good quality education. Through this partnership, we will be able to realise our goals, as a collective, of bettering the lives of our people, it is all about us,” he said.
The Chairperson of Kagiso Trust, Ms Nthobakae Angel said they are happy as an organisation at the progress and improvement seen in schools that are part of the BNSDP. He said the focus of their programme is to restore the culture of effective and efficient learning and teaching.
Mr Johan Naude, the son of the former political activist and veteran of the liberation struggle, ‘Oom Bey’ as he was affectionately called, and after whom the programme is named, said the partnership will not work if communities and learners are not integrated into the programme. He said children are the most important gift to people. He said while children have rights in accordance with the Constitution, they also have responsibilities and duties to carry out. Naude urged learners to attend school regularly, work hard and adhere to all rules and regulations.
Mr Tony de Villiers of ABSA called on all education stakeholders to join hands together to fight poverty for the benefit of children. De Villiers said ABSA and
Kagiso Trust has made a financial commitment to empower previously disadvantaged communities so as to empower them to fight poverty through quality education. He called on the community to be the custodian of the infrastructure handed over and take ownership thereof and protect it against criminal elements.
In his keynote address, the Honourable MEC for Education, Tate Makgoe acknowledged the contributions made by Kagiso Trust which has been involved with the education of black learners over many years. He also emphasised the importance of mathematics, science and technology.
The MEC said the money spent will help improve the quality of education of children affiliated with the programme to enable them to go to higher institutions of learning armed with competent certificates. He also emphasised the President’s non negotiables. “Teachers should be in class on time and teach. Learners should be in class on time and learn, and study hard. Parents should monitor and check books, and where possible assist the children with their home works. This is a way of motivation. As parents you should actively participate in the education of your children. Know your child’s class-teacher and principal. This is very important.”
The MEC called on learners to work hard, have self discipline and to respect fellow learners, as well as their educators and elders at all times. Meanwhile, Tsebo Secondary won R3 000 first prize for the School Beautification Competition for schools affiliated with the BNSDP. Mmathabo Secondary won the second prize of R2 000 while Reahola Secondary got away with the third prize of R1 000.
Issued by: Department of Education, Free State Provincial Government
21 September 2009
Source: Department of Education, Free State Provincial Government (http://www.fsdoe.fs.gov.za/)
