Hundreds of learners from South African farm schools gathered at Heron Bridge Retreat in Johannesburg for a 3 day camp and team building session from 26 June to 29 June 2015.
Being held under the umbrella of the 2015 SASCE National Championships, the camp was aimed at strengthening the musical talents of learners in farm schools across all nine (9) provinces, so that they too, have an opportunity to rise to the top in SASCE this year. The event was organised to assist farm school learners to prepare for the 2015 SASCE National Championships. The overall camp consisted of volunteers and teachers accompanying learners from across the nine provinces.
During this special occasion, learners were exposed to various activities including, amongst others, art, drama, poetry, rap, choir sessions, painting, as well as sporting activities.
Sterkrivier Combined School teacher, Mr Malesela Maphoto from Limpopo said that the event has been of paramount importance for learners in the development of their self-confidence, which will enable them to compete with other schools that are more privileged in terms of musical resources. “We encourage all our children from different cultures to come and join this competition as it unites all learners of the rainbow nation as one,” said Mr Maphoto.
Mathematics and Science teacher, Mr Maludi Zamile from Manyekiso Farm School in the Eastern Cape, stated that the session provided learners with an opportunity to interact with one another. “This event assisted learners not only to win the competition, but to learn how to sing songs in the various South African indigenous languages with understanding. “I am really happy that learners from farm schools were given this special attention to improve on their performance, remarked Mr Zamile.
Some learners shared their insight about their experiences during the camp:
Tau Matshidiso from Itokisetseng Combined School in the Free State: “I find this camp very helpful because it has groomed me to sing with confidence. I also managed to engage with learners from different cultures and ethnic groups. I encourage all learners to take the SASCE competition seriously because it teaches us to accept one another’s differences. I thank the Department of Basic Education and UNICEF for this great experience.”
Nompumelelo Mkambule from Mkhulu Combined School in Mpumalanga: “I am very happy for being part of this big event because it exposed me to various activities that uplifted my self-esteem. Through this camp I feel that I can achieve anything because I’ve gained self-confidence!”
Tebogo Phalane from Sebotsi Combined school in Limpopo: “Socialising and networking interests me; I love being amongst people from different cultures. I thoroughly enjoyed all the activities that took place during the camp.”
Kefilwe Maboe from Moedwil Combined School in North West: “I am a shy person by nature, but since I arrived at the camp I feel a sense of belonging. I even learned to participate in activities that I never thought I would be able to do.”
Jo-Ann Herman from Bloemendal Primary in Western Cape: “I am very grateful that I had an opportunity to attend the camp because I had a lot of fun. It was great to learn to sing songs in a variety of South African languages.”
The camp concluded with singing and dancing and learners who attended were presented with certificates of recognition.