Sandown High pleads for help on Youth Day

Sandown High School commemorated June 16 Youth Day with a sombre moment of remembrance which culminated in games and a plea for help.

The event at the public school which is not reflective of its surrounding affluence, brought together parents, members of the school governing body, learners and members of business and organisations. The plea was for help from the government and Sandton which is the continent’s economic hub, home of the Joburg Stock Exchange, headquarters of major banks, hotels and eateries that surround the school. The sombre moment at the intersection of Grayston and Sandton drives was of silence to mark that moment 43 years ago in 1976 when young African lives were lost in their quest for quality and equal education. Thereafter the procession marched to the school in a symbolic silent gesture.

“We marched in sync with them but silently to raise the public’s awareness of the continuing challenges impeding learners from poor backgrounds’ from accessing quality and holistic education, regardless of where they are,” said Tumi Nkolobe of the organisers Matli Foundation.

Seventy per cent of the school’s students are from impoverished Alex and the balance from Soweto, Tembisa and other townships. “The school is deficient in most respects and unexpected of an institution in an affluent area which seems detached from it,” Nkolobe said expressing the purpose of the fundraiser for resources to refurbish its infrastructure, sports fields and academic needs.

Initiator of the foundation Moleboheng Matli said the truth should be told about the condition and status of the public school to dispel a perception that it is well supported. “The poor parents who are barely able to cover their children’s transport can’t afford to augment through the fees for the children’s holistic education including extra-mural activities like sports, entertainment and infrastructure and maintenance costs.”

Matli said the dire conditions are depressive for the children who are confused by the school’s status in juxtaposition with comparative surrounding wealth that’s detached from it. “It traumatises them, drives some to substance abuse and other ills to cope with a feeling of neglect and causes peer pressure that forces them into misconduct to help them cope and feel part of the surrounding environment.”

She urged for improved partnership with the business community to help bring back dignity to the school which was once an epitome of excellence. “Lets unite and bring back its former glory and beyond and help the children feel that they are valued,” she said referring to the needed revamp of the infrastructure, sports fields and fence she said compromised security at the institution.

She urged for improved discretionary funding from government as most of the learners were exempted from paying the fees due to their status.

School principal Edward Makasane urged for a rethink in the grant systems so that the learners aren’t punished with compromised education in an institution which, despite location in an affluent area, should qualify for grant support similar to other township schools. “Public-private partnerships should be marshaled to refurbish and help it to improve its pass rate of 89 per cent last year to 100 per cent which all the children are capable of achieving.”

This he added should include improving sporting and extra-mural activities in which those who are less academically inclined could be helped to excel and use as professions to exit poverty. Makasane said this in reference to former soccer legends who, on the day, displayed their lingering prowess to encourage talented pupils to also commit to the skill.

Related article:

https://www.citizen.co.za/alex-news/133732/youth-day-6-shocking-truths-south-africas-youth/