For the first time in Stanford’s history, children from all the schools in the village gathered under one roof to experience a music extravaganza.
Pure joy was evident on the faces of learners and educators from Okkie Smuts, Die Bron, Eduden, Butterfly Centre and St Paul’s as they watched a performance by the brass band and choir of the highly acclaimed South African College Schools (SACS) last week.
It was a poignant moment for SACS brass-band teacher Karen Hess, a former student of St Paul’s, which serves children from a very impoverished area. She rose from being a learner at the farm school to becoming a highly respected educator at one of the most prestigious schools in the country.
This story served as powerful source of inspiration; in spite of poverty and one’s circumstances nothing is impossible.
There was also a tender moment, when Die Bron Primary principal Lionel Pedro handed a very special Bible that had once belonged to Hess’ father to her.
St Paul’s principal Amanda Appel also gifted Hess with a bunch of flowers.
Of course, to pull off such an historic event required hard work and a love for the community. Gratitude was expressed to the Stanford Community Policing Forum (CPF) secretary Stuart Anderson, who is also a former SACS principal, as well as the educators and learners of SACS for making this event possible. Organisers also thanked the members of the Junior Crime Prevention and Community in Blue organisations as well as the local police for ensuring everything went smoothly.
In true South African style the spirit of ubuntu was displayed when the SACS educators and learners handed clothing, stationery, 125 litres of hand wash and Christmas presents over for each pupil as well as educators at St Paul’s during a visit to the school.
St Paul’s is a school that historically caters for children of farm labourers, so SACS’s visit and the generous donations were welcomed by the children and educators for whom life and learning can often be a challenge given limited resources. The gifts will be handed to children at the end of the year.
“All this was made possible thanks to the CPF Secretary and former SACS principal Stuart Anderson who, after more than 12 years serving on the CPF in Stanford, will be stepping down. What an innings, Stuart, and what a beautiful and powerful way to bow out for some well-earned rest.” – Vanessa Tedder
