Ten years and still going strong for Curro Krugersdorp

It might still be very early days for the Curro family in Krugersdorp but boy do they intend to make their mark for decades more to come.

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On Wednesday, March 8, Curro Krugersdorp celebrated its 10th birthday and while cake would always be part of birthday celebrations, their main focus was on making a difference in the community by shaping the next generation of doctors, engineers, teachers, and musicians for the future of South Africa.

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In attendance were some big-name dignitaries including Mogale City’s Executive Mayor Councillor Tyrone Gray, local ward councillors, Curro representatives from head office, media, former and current principals, teachers, parents, learners, and many more. The 8-hour-long program kicked off with a delicious breakfast followed by a special assembly, a performance from the school’s African Drum Band, choir, and more.

Probably the most gripping speech was that of the Curro Krugersdorp executive head, Annemarie Lombard, who has been there since the very beginning of 2013.

“So many people helped to make this vision come true and I am truly blessed and proud of our journey which began in October with a small group of forerunners and pioneers. There were trucks, upon trucks, and it was not your average migration of moving into a new house. It was a daunting task and if it wasn’t for a dad [who was a farmer] who brought a lot of hands to help us carry in all the tables and chairs I don’t know what we would have done. We are truly grateful to him and his team for helping us move into the building.”

She then also praised past and current principals among others saying, ‘each one of you left a legacy’.

“A school is more than a building. A school is when there is a heartbeat. When you show that you care for other people. We don’t sit and watch from a distance and hope that someone else will step up to the plate and help and rescue or do something. I believe in the circle of influence that in your little area where you are, you can make a difference and it will be like a stone that you drop in the pond and it makes a ripple effect,” she said referring to when Curro, although a very young established school at the time, had reached out to Laerskool Protearif after part of the school was destroyed by a tornado in October 2017. Although Curro did not assist financially, they opened their school doors and classrooms to Protearif learners who were to be schooled there timeously.

“When I read the principal of Protearif – Donna Lourens’ thank you letter for the first time again after so many years, I felt quite emotional.

“He said he was so grateful that we welcomed them, and that we gave them a safe space. Their children wrote their final exams, their grade sevens could finish the year and move on to high schools and retain possible scholarships. He also mentioned in this letter that this gesture helped to show that people can take hands and that we in Krugersdorp can be a community of caring when we look out for each other.”

Curro Business Executive Shaun McMurtry concluded and used the relay event in athletics as an example, saying that runners pass on the baton to the next runner until the last athlete goes for the home stretch.

“The past hands over to the present of course which means everyone who is sitting right here, you have taken over the baton of Curro Krugersdorp from the early pioneers and you now have to run your leg of the race. Grade 7s a slightly longer race, and those in the preschool even longer than that. Be careful not to stumble or slip during your leg of the race because the future of the school now rests on our shoulders.”

His message to ‘these runners’ was, “Try to leave a place in a better situation than you found it. This attitude applies to our relationships, jobs, school, country, and planet. During your time at Curro Krugersdorp, each of you will have had and will have an impact on the school be it in a small way or a significant way, good or bad. I’m urging you to make it good. Build on the great foundations which have been laid by aiming for the stars and striving for excellence in all that you do during your time here. Grab each amazing opportunity that comes your way with both hands.

“To the final leg of the race, the race which can be a great deal of uncertainty. One of the most amazing privileges of the teaching profession is that we are allowed to work with the future every day of our lives. Not only do we have the pleasure of working with young people but much of our mission is centered around preparing the youngsters for their futures when they will take up their places in the world and hopefully do a far better job than the current generation can take credit for.

“Despite the doom and gloom, there’s a lot to be depressed and pessimistic about. Immigration is becoming a feasible option for a lot of people. This country is on a downward slide. I think anybody who sits in this hall today and celebrates the magnificence of Curro Krugersdorp’s 10 years, has to believe otherwise. I believe, like many others, that South Africa has a very bright future to look forward to with the accomplished musicians and singers, painters, engineers, and social influencers right here at Curro Krugersdorp.

“This is a proud milestone and is there so much to celebrate. May the Lord bless, guide and nurture Curro Krugersdorp and all who learn and work in this fine place.”