Last week the Eastern Cape’s MEC for Education, Fundile Gade, made a significant contribution to the learners of Ndamase Senior Secondary School in Ngqeleni, donating 100 pairs of school shoes. This donation was part of a broader initiative to support students in their educational journey.
Gade also took the opportunity to inspire the learners to dedicate themselves to their studies.
Reflecting on the start of the year, he mentioned the department’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by schools. A key part of their strategy involved understanding the backgrounds of learners, to ensure they are in a conducive environment for learning.
The donation forms part of a “back to school” campaign, targeting schools where the need for uniforms and shoes is greatest. Gade highlighted the socio-economic challenges faced by many students in the region, noting that a significant percentage comes from less affluent backgrounds, making it difficult for them to have full sets of school uniforms without government intervention.
He emphasised the importance of the government’s role in providing essential items like uniforms and shoes, to ensure that learners can attend school in proper attire. The donation of shoes was specifically aimed at assisting learners from disadvantaged families, with the goal of creating a better learning environment that supports their academic success.
The MEC also touched on the school’s impressive track record in matric results within the OR Tambo Coastal Area, and discussed the school’s request to become a marking centre, highlighting the need for adequate facilities and resources for exam markers.
The school’s principal, Unathi Zuma, expressed optimism for achieving a 100 percent pass rate in this year’s matric exams, outlining the strategies in place to reach this ambitious goal. The visit was also to remember the late Professor Lungisile Jadezweni, a former teacher at the school and chairperson of the Eastern Cape Advisory Council, who was recently laid to rest.
This initiative by the Eastern Cape Department of Education underscores the importance of community and government support in overcoming educational barriers, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to succeed.
