Laerskool Jan van Riebeeck staff traded marking pens for golf clubs at the school’s annual fundraising golf day on July 24 at the Pollak Park Golf Club.

The initiative was well supported by parents and educators who enjoyed a day of socialising while raising funds for the school.

Acting principal Nicole Eksteen said, “As we all know, schools are struggling, so they must do something to raise funds.

“In the past years, we have recruited the prefects and their parents to help raise funds, which helps a lot. The community has supported us as well. We have 38 four-balls which are all sponsored.”

Eksteen said although the learners do not attend the event in person, taking part in preparing for it has a positive impact on them.

EMS teacher Charlene Beetge said participating in fundraising for the golf day helps develop the learners’ entrepreneurial skills, which they will apply during the school’s Entrepreneurship Day in Term Three.

The head girl’s mother, Ilana Botha, said she has seen her daughter grow tremendously as a person through her leadership role.

“She’s grown so much as a person, and I really admired it when she told me she didn’t want to reveal the actual amount we contributed because she didn’t want the next learner to feel intimidated or place pressure on other parents, as not everyone has the same financial capacity.

“That speaks to how important leadership is for young people because they’re able to think not only of themselves but of others,” Botha said.