Airport bolsters education around Ekurhuleni

The launch was held at the OR Tambo Primary School based at Phomolong section on Wednesday last week.

Nearly 262 pupil developmental stationery packs were donated to the grade R and 1 pupils.

The purpose of the campaign is to support and foster academic development and to reward excellence in education.

During the launch, the manager for communications and brand management at OR Tambo International Airport, Ms Unathi Batyashe-Fillis, said the campaign is designed to provide positive support for education within communities adjacent to the airport.

“It is our way of adding value to the government’s agenda of developing, maintaining and supporting the culture of learning and teaching. In total, we will be donating 1 200 developmental stationery packs to be shared by the selected primary schools. Each pack contains a drawing board, markers, abacus, colouring book, crayons, three pencils and an eraser. The contents will equip the pupils to perform certain key learning expectations, as set out in the curriculum,” she said.

Simple Tutoring will provide constant, additional teaching and mentoring in reading, mathematics and science for all grades at the schools.

The service will provide a support structure to the schools and also ensure the sustainability of improved learning.

“On February 6, as a means of rewarding excellence, the airport will host the Ekurhuleni North District Awards ceremony for 2013’s top Grade 12 pupils. The pupils worked hard and it is important to acknowledge their efforts,” she added.

OR Tambo Primary School’s principal, Mr Matshele Motlhabane, said they are thankful to have a partnership with the airport.

“What makes me even happier is that all our pupils from Grade R and 1 benefited from the campaign. It is an achievement for the school. We have orphans and needy pupils who will benefit from these developmental packs. We will ensure effective management of these resources, so that they are kept safe and used efficiently,” he said.

Mr Motlhabane added that they have a big challenge with school infrastructure development. “We need any help which could be useful to the school,” he said.

OR International Airport staff also served pupils with lunch after the launch.

Over the next few weeks, Bapsfontein (Daveyton), Umnyezane (Daveyton) and Mpumelelo (Ivory Park) Primary Schools will also receive developmental packs.

The campaign will be concluded with the handing over of a science laboratory to Tswelapele High School in Tembisa on February 28.

“The school has never had a laboratory facility, which is an essential resource for the effective teaching of science. This donation is OR. Tambo International Airport’s response to the shortage of engineers in South Africa. It is an investment in ensuring sufficient engineers for the aviation sector and the company’s airports in years to come,” said Ms Batyashe-Fillis.