Birch Acres Secondary upgrades sickbay through vital donation
Northern Education Transport Coordinators (Netco), provided the school with a new sickbed, blanket and pillow to improve the school's sickbay.
As the country continues to celebrate Mandela Month, Birch Acres Secondary School joined in with a meaningful initiative on July 29, shortly after reopening for the third term.
The school welcomed members of the Northern Education Transport Coordinators (Netco), who donated a sickbed, blanket and pillow to improve the school’s sickbay facility.
During a prior visit, Netco representatives observed that the sickbay was in poor condition.
ALSO READ: SPCAs get owl boxes in Mandela Day drive
The donation, they explained, was made to strengthen their relationship with the school and to ensure learners have a proper and dignified space to rest when unwell.
Principal Mamokgage Tjebane said the school wanted to celebrate Mandela Month before the end of July to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela and teach learners the importance of giving back.
“The purpose of today’s celebration was to teach the learners about the role Mandela played during the struggle, and help them understand that their 67 minutes can make a difference, starting with small acts of service,” said Tjebane.
“Netco is a key and strategic partner for the school and the wider Birch Acres community. Some of our learners rely on their transport services, so their contribution means a lot to us.”
The event featured performances by learners, including poetry and dance, and a talk by the principal on Mandela’s legacy and the significance of Mandela Day in SA.
ALSO READ: EWC learners bring Mandela Day joy to Glenny Terrace seniors
Netco team members offered the learners words of encouragement and reminded them of the importance of respecting elders, a message the learners took to heart.
Departmental policy requires all schools to have a sickbay equipped with a bed, blanket and pillow to provide learners a place to rest while awaiting their parents or guardians. Netco stepped in to ensure Birch Acres Secondary met this standard.
The Netco public relations officer, Kgabo Selolo, said they were happy to assist.
“We noticed during our visit that the previous bed was in bad condition. Having a comfortable place to rest when sick is vital for children.
“We aim to maintain a good working relationship with the school, and while our speciality is safe transport, we’ll continue to assist wherever we can,” Selolo said.
