Be calm and speak Afrikaans at Bergvlam

MBOMBELA – Hoërskool Bergvlam held its first-ever Afrikaans Expo for first-additional language learners from October 13 to 15. The theme of the expo was “Be calm and speak Afrikaans.”

The expo gave learners an opportunity to do research and express their creativity while exploring entrepreneurship skills.

According to the organiser and the head of department for the Afrikaans first-additional language, Ms Louise Fullard, learners started working on their projects in February and were expected to present the finished product in a unique and interesting way.

“In a multicultural environment where most of our diverse cultural groups are represented and where language stands central to our education culture, this was an excellent way in which to promote Afrikaans,” she said.

Grades eight to 11 participated in different categories and produced 42 projects. The grade 11 learners were tasked with recording an Afrikaans poetry DVD, the grade nine learners compiled a school newspaper while the grade 10s had to record a music DVD.

A grade 11 learner, Jason Blockley, said working on their project was not easy because he had to find a balance between it and his school work. “The experience instilled discipline in me, it was a tough nine months for me working on both my school work and the project,” he said.

All the pupils had the opportunity to market their own projects to the adjudicators and the visitors last Wednesday.

Thursday was an open day to the public. Forty-two judges assessed the pupils based on creativity, methodology, thoroughness, design and presentation. They also looked for insight and the verbal Afrikaans presentation.

Fullard also said they were indebted to ATKV for its contribution of gift bags for the winners and judges. She added that the school wanted to make learners positive and aware of the beautiful language.

All the participants received certificates with a gold-, silver- or bronze-star grading. Cash prizes were awarded for the best projects.