WATCH: Primary school honours its sponsors

Turffontein Primary School hosted a ceremony to honour its sponsors for giving back to the underprivileged learners and the community on March 2.

The school has many challenges and there are people who took the initiative to help and adopt some of the learners. People like MEC for Finance and eGovernment Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko and Dr Josias Naidoo, who were present at the ceremony, have played a pivotal role in helping out at the school.

Principal Pexie Jafta said the school, which is over 100 years old, has 1 301 learners and most of them do not pay school fees because of the high unemployment rate.

“Some learners struggle to make ends meet and, with the exemption from the government, we can bridge the gap. We also feel blessed with the help from the professionals who adopt our learners. This is a community school. We not only teach but also tackle social problems. There are daily challenges and our teachers help to tackle them head-on,” she said.

There are learners from Booysens and Wembley shelters who are taken out on weekends or on holidays by people who have adopted them. This is to make them feel loved and appreciated in the community.

Nkomo-Ralehoko thanked the principal, teachers, SGB and all who have helped the school to be where it is today.

“We need to take care of the learners who have nothing. At least the school feeds and protected them. We pride ourselves on this school, it is clean and disciplined. You can tell when you enter here that you are in a good school.

“You need to know that as some learners come from disadvantaged homes, we too come from the same background. We also had nothing, no bread nor milk, only eating samp without beans. We will work with you, principal, to help them,” she said.

SGB chairperson Doreen Amazu said at times, things need to be done differently.

“When you do things differently, you show social activism. You bring about change. We thank you all for giving back, you are the pillars of this community. As a school, we conquer through knowledge and continue to invest in these learners,” she said.

Naidoo praised the excellent condition of the school.

“Learners here behave in a good manner. Congratulations, principal, for getting that right. Remember, regardless of your background, you can be a great person. Respect your teachers and fellow learners. Don’t be a bully. You can be anything you want to be,” he said.

Other dignitaries who help the school but were not present include MEC for Health Nomathemba Mokgethi, MEC for Social Development Morakane Mosupyoe, CEO of Rahima Moosa Hospital Dr Nozuko Mkabayi and social worker Thaba Ngidi.