By Charmaine Ndlela
The Free State Department of Education on Monday launched a seven-day Holiday Support Programme for Grade R–9 learners at Tjhebelopele Primary School in Bloemfontein, aiming to keep pupils safe and engaged during the festive season while preparing them for the 2026 academic year.
According to the department’s spokesperson, Howard Ndaba, the initiative, led by MEC Dr Mamiki Julia Maboya, is designed to protect learners during the high-risk holiday period while supporting their academic and physical development.
“The programme brings together curriculum reinforcement, values-based education, social cohesion activities, and structured sporting sessions that also support early conditioning for the upcoming Athletics season.”
During her keynote address at the launch of the programme, Maboya stressed the importance of caring for learners beyond the classroom.
“No child should be idle, unsafe, or left vulnerable while the world around them becomes more dangerous,” she said.
“We must provide them with the knowledge that shields, the discipline that anchors, and values that guide.”
The department said the initiative aligns with South Africa’s national theme for the 2025 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, because it places learner protection and wellbeing at the centre of public action.
The department called on parents, caregivers, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, youth movements and community structures to work with schools to ensure that children remain safe, supervised and supported during the holidays.
Maboya said the programme’s impact extends beyond the festive period.
“A Safer child becomes a stronger learner. A stronger learner becomes a capable adult and builds a prosperous province – this programme is about the future of the Free State,” she said.
INSIDE EDUCATION
