With the backing of a high-level Mogale City delegation, Gauteng Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation MEC Morakane Mosupyoe launched her back to school programme on a high note this past week.
Joined by the Executive Mayor Danny Thupane, Speaker of Council Lucky Sele, presiding MMC Kefilwe Modike as well as other political figures and officials, the MEC-led delegation donated arts equipment, dignity packs and sports (netball and soccer) kits to Thutolefa Secondary School principal Mr. Robert Sesinyi in Munsieville.
The broader West Rand-targeted school opening drive also formed part of the Gauteng Provincial Government’s (GPG) programme which seeks to support effective teaching and learning, access, increased participation and transformation of the sport, arts, culture and recreation in schools.
The heartwarming visit by the MEC was first felt by the little ones at the Munsieville Early Childhood Development (ECD) Daycare Centre who were thrilled to receive new colourful books and educational toys to enhance their joy of learning.
In her address, the MEC encouraged learners to focus on their studies, participate in sport, arts and culture, and in so doing become champions and advocates of their lives. Noting that education is the most powerful instrument that can empower and change the mindsets of the young people for the better, the MEC unpacked the purpose of the programme. “We are here to distribute much-needed equipment and resources to the learners because as government we value education and know that it is largely through learning that our people can fight the scourge of poverty and inequality”.
The event culminated with a stakeholder engagement exercise where officials from various departments including education, health, sports, arts, and culture interacted with community members; most particularly parents and unemployed youth in the township.
The MEC later on extended her programme to other schools in the West Rand.