By Johannah Malogadihlare
The back to school programme has afforded agriculture and rural development MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa to integrate food security in schools through the department’s “plant a tree campaign”.
Gauteng’s back to school campaign is an annual programme where provincial leaders assess schools’ state of readiness for the year with a focus on engaging school management and governing bodies about challenges that could have a negative impact on teaching and learning.
On Monday, the MEC donated six trees to Abel Motshoane High School in Winterveld and during her walkabout at the school, she identified areas requiring additional support to enhance the learning environment.
Ramokgopa has already donated over 40 fruit trees since the programme have started last week. The programme is being undertaken with the Consul-General consulate general of China.
The schools include Parktown Girls High School in Parktown, Thamsanga Secondary School in Orange Farm, and Matsiliso Secondary School and Progress Pre School, which are both in Meadowlands.
The department has also partnered with Shoprite and their mobile kitchen to provide soup and bread during the visits to some of the schools.
Department spokesperson Danisile Sathekge said the aim of programme was not only to integrate food security, but also help learners understand the value of education and motivate them to prioritise it as a “strategic vehicle”, which would open many doors for them including changing their lives for the better.
Ramokgopa congratulated the matric Class of 2024 and encouraged this year’s Grade 12 learners to surpass their performance.
INSIDE EDUCATION
