Learners encouraged to focus on their studies
Sanitary towels, toiletries, and shoes for the learners were also donated.
Kwa-Thema – As part of the School Readiness campaign, the MEC of the Health and Wellness Department, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, and the Mayor of Ekurhuleni, Tania Campbell, visited Laban Motlhabi Comprehensive School on Wednesday morning.
School Readiness is a nationwide campaign by political leaders to visit schools on the first day of re-opening to monitor some of the challenges schools have and to ensure teaching and learning commences.
During the visit, the group participated in a session of aerobics and did some gardening.
Gardening tools and seedlings were donated to a group of pensioners who use the school’s facility for their project.
Sanitary towels, toiletries, and shoes for the learners were also donated.
The women also visited Nokuphila Early Learning Child Development as part of the campaign. Nkomo-Ralehoko encouraged learners to focus on their studies and cautioned them against substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, and bullying.
“The only way you are going to escape poverty is through education. Your background doesn’t have to determine your future.
“You have access to two meals in school, breakfast and lunch, and those from poor backgrounds will receive school uniforms. All we need from the learners is to focus on their studies,” she added.
The MEC said they will work with the Department of Health to introduce one-hour exercise sessions in Gauteng schools.
Campbell said that during their mobile library campaign in schools, they had identified that some learners were struggling to see because of poor eyesight.
“We have organised with the MMC of Health to invite the department health clinics to go to the schools to do eye testing and ear testing.
Those in need will be provided with spectacles and hearing aids.
“We also arranged for library officials to take their programmes to our schools to ensure that we improve literacy and reading, especially in primary schools,” she explained.
The mayor called out bullying in schools and encouraged learners to be kind to each other.
