Steelpoort Academy’s outstanding achievements awarded by Growsmart
Local schools that excelled in the Growsmart educational programme were handed their prizes last week.
Steelpoort Academy was the first school to receive its prizes on November 30, in an event attended by the principal, mentors, representatives from Growsmart, Assore, Dwarsrivier Chrome Mine (DCM), the Ngwaabe Circuit manager, Madikgake Masha, and the learners’ parents.
The Growsmart Educational Programme is a corporate social initiative by Growthpoint Properties in collaboration with Limpopo Department of Education. The programme is sponsored by DCM in partnership with Assore and Boleng Trust.
Steelpoort Academy received iPads, projectors, headphones and speakers worth R100 000. Two of the school’s learners, Fahlogelo Mahlake and Letlotlo Ramakau, won the prizes when they came second and third in the 2022 literacy competition of Growsmart.
Khanya Gushu said they had bought prizes that will benefit the school. “We decided against giving the schools cash because some of the schools did not buy items that benefited the learners. The items we bought will benefit the entire school.”
She also thanked the DCM for their support and the Limpopo Department of Education for making the programme a success. Masha said, “We thank DCM and Growsmart for investing in education, especially when it comes to literacy. We still have kids failing Sepedi and English, but the Growsmart initiative has instilled the desire and love in these pupils to study, read and write.”
Masha encouraged the schools to invest in educational gadgets and to go digital. He said educators needed to learn to use the gadgets provided to the school by Growsmart. These gadgets will improve education locally. The education department excels because of this kind of equipment.
His message to DCM was, “Invest in the Ngwaabe Circuit to improve the education and the lives of our people. We need to have Sekhukhune East among the top districts with matric results in Limpopo.”
The DCM’s communications officer, Mamagase Nchabeleng, expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders who made the initiative a success. He said the programme is earmarked to improve the standard of education in Tubatse.
“We supported this programme from the first day of its launch in 2020 and we will continue doing so. We aim to see improvement in education in our nearby schools.”
“DCM prioritises education. We have invested in numerous educational programmes and this is one of our many successful investments. The equipment handed out today will surely transform our pupils into better learners and also improve education locally.
“Congratulations to all the winning pupils, mentors and schools, and to everyone who participated in the 2022 programme.” Steelpoort Academy’s principal, Anton Alberts, was overjoyed when he was presented with the gifts “We are thankful to Growsmart, and DCM for supporting this programme. The future of our country is in the kids. We applaud the teachers who mentored the two learners and we will continue doing our best to produce the best pupils and future leaders.”
The finalists in the literacy competition were chosen from more than 300 participants and were tested on their ability to correctly spell, define and use the words in a sentence, as well as on verbs, nouns, idioms and adjectives throughout the competition.
