Pretoria – As the school bell rang for the first time this year at Tiyelelani Secondary School in Soshanguve, learners were surprised to see Gauteng Health MEC Hope Papo.
Last year, the school identified 100 learners who were underprivileged.
Today Papo addressed the learners and handed out school uniform, including jerseys, shirts, skirts, socks and shoes.
“Coming from an informal settlement doesn’t mean that you are not good enough. You have a purpose in life and you must work hard, and go get those distinctions,” Papo encouraged the learners.
The Bana Pele (Putting Children First) initiative, by the Gauteng provincial government, aims to motivate learners to excel in their studies and to improve access to education in disadvantaged communities.
Papo said government was supporting the learners to improve the quality of their schooling experience.
“In the past, most learners were forced to drop out of school because their parents didn’t have money to buy uniform. Take good care of your school uniform and attend school regularly; behave like a learner while you are in the school uniform and you can’t be seen smoking or drinking in school uniform.”
The majority of learners in Tiyelelani come from informal settlements and are transported by seven buses to and from school on a daily basis. The school obtained a 70% matric pass rate during the 2013 matric exam, with an improvement in Maths and Science.
Papo emphasised that one of the aims for the visit to the schools was to support the school and to check if everything was in place for teaching and learning.
“The aim is to support the school by encouraging parental involvement and help with teacher development,” said Papo.
He also added that the school was among the 27 schools in Soshanguve, which would be repaired after being damaged by heavy storms last year.
School principal Ellias Mngwenya expressed his appreciation for Papo’s visit and promised to improve this year’s matric pass rate to 90%.
“We are happy that the school was among the identified schools to be visited. We will try to do our best. We can ensure we will show order as teachers and improve other grey areas. Come end of the year, we will meet the 90% pass rate,” said an optimistic Mngwenya.
Papo started his day at 7am by visiting three schools -- Orchards Primary School in Akasia, Tiyelelani Secondary School and Matlapeng Secondary School, both in Soshanguve. – SAnews.gov.za
