Learners at Roseneath Primary school in Johannesburg were overcome with joy on Monday when Minister of Basic Education, Mrs Angie Motshekga, joined hands with the private sector to handover much-needed shoes to the school’s learners.
The partnership between the Department of Basic Education, Absa’s charitable arm Sešego Cares and US-based shoe manufacturer TOMS will see 105 000 pairs of shoes being donated to school children across South Africa. A smaller amount of shoes will also be distributed to schools in Lesotho.
Speaking at the handover of the shoes, Minister Motshekga said that it was encouraging to see corporate partners getting involved in primary schools as this is the base of South Africa’s education system.
“We need to get the basics right to get the whole system right,” said the Minister. “Yes challenges exist, but we are grateful for partners such as Absa to help us deal with these challenges.”
Minister Motshekga highlighted the importance of primary schools, saying that the improvement of early childhood development will ensure better performance throughout the system.
“Our focus for 2012 is the smooth implementation of the first phase of the introduction of the new Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS),” said the Minister. “For better efficiency, monitoring and accountability for what happens in the classroom, we will step-up the Annual National Assessments (ANA). Educators and representatives of parents who are here must help us promote proper use of assessments and workbooks at school and at the children’s homes.”
“I therefore challenge the principal of this school to improve on the previous ANA results because in 2012 we will be naming and celebrating (all schools) their performance in the ANA.”
“This sort of donation makes a difference to children’s lives and is bigger than just a pair of shoes. Hopefully it will make kids happier and boost their self-image. It can make them feel loved and appreciated as the children of the nation,” added the Minister.
Absa Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Maria Ramos said that the handover was the bank’s way of making a small contribution to the communities it works in.
“It is an important and worthwhile cause, giving dignity to learners so that they can focus on learning at school,” said Ramos. We hope this small contribution is going to make a difference in this community, as investment in our young people is key to the success of this country.”
The school choir serenaded the Minister and guests with traditional songs to show their gratitude.
