Learners love schools holiday programme

15 July 2015

 

Ifeel I have developed into a better person. I also feel I have enhanced my chances of passing Grade 11 comfortably,” says Refiloe Maledi.

 

The 15-year-old Soweto girl is one of nearly 200 learners and youth who have been attending a JMPD Schools Holiday Programme at Bapedi Hall in Meadowlands since Monday this week. Refiloe says she has immensely benefited from the programme so far and does not regret not going to spend the winter school holidays in Limpopo.

 

She says her self-confidence has soared, adding that she is enjoying every minute of the week-long programme. The programme – which has a career guidance element – teaches learners life skills, the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, drawing and reading.

 

Learners are also given the opportunity to engage in six-a-side soccer, indigenous games, draughts, chess, netball, volleyball and cycling. Many of the learners have welcomed the programme, saying doing nothing at home during the school holidays could have driven them to mischief. Grade 11 learner, Ofentse Ramala, 16, say she is happy to be part of the programme as she did not have any plans for the holidays.

 

She says she has learned a lot in the first two days of the programme. Equally impressed is Thabo Modise, 12, who says he has met new friends and become more focused. He says he has benefited considerably from the programme.

 

JMPD Officer Tshidiso Monareng says the department is delighted that learners are enjoying themselves. “To tell you the truth, this programme is long overdue. We think we are making a difference,” he says.

 

Learners attending the programme are given two meals a day – breakfast and lunch. The organisers say they hope that in future they will be able to award each learner a certificate of attendance as well as trophies to those who excel in sports.