Ratanda Primary School receives state of the art kitchen

The no-fee school in Ratanda provides meals for 1362 learners from Grade R to Grade 7.

 
For nearly two decades the school has made use of an old tuck shop as a kitchen to prepare these meals for learners.

 
“We are really excited to have received a better equipped kitchen that’s more spacious than the room we’ve been using for the past 16 years,” said acting principal Sibongile Mofokeng.

 
The educator believes that teamwork and commitment allows the school to run well. She said that the school is exceptionally clean despite its enormous size, socio-economic landscape and geographical location, which exemplifies a sense of pride in the environment by both educators and learners.

 
It is these qualities that allowed them the opportunity to be chosen as winners of the NSNP Best School Award in the previous financial year, the prize of which was the kitchen, sponsored by the Tiger Brands Foundation.

 
The award recognises excellence and best practices in schools by awarding the best school with a kitchen fitted with industrial equipment among other prizes. Winning schools have to implement the NSNP as per the minimum guidelines to qualify for entry into the competition.

 
Entry is done by the school, the district or community members who nominate the best school in the area.

 
Over and above the NSNP, Ratanda is also a beneficiary of the Tiger Brands Foundation’s in-school breakfast programme.

 
While the NSNP provides lunch to learners, the Foundation offers a healthy, nutritious breakfast every school day to thousands of learners at disadvantaged schools across South Africa.
Ambassador Sheila Sisulu, Foundation Chairperson said: “The Foundation recognises the importance of establishing a good nutrition infrastructure to help schools provide healthy and hygienic meals.

“We also undertake infrastructure development where necessary, either by upgrading existing facilities or providing new kitchens in the form of customised shipping containers or brick and mortar structures.”

 
The bigger structure is fully equipped with utensils and furniture. Furthermore, it provides for a safer, cleaner environment and a storeroom for proper storage of food.

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