Peter Mbimala will always remember Bertrams Junior School for the great lessons he learned there.
The school will be celebrating its 100th birthday this year and it shares its birthday with late President Nelson Mandela.
“The school is and will always be a part of me. The school taught me how to read, write and even how to speak English.
“The basic moral and ethical codes that were instilled in me have shaped me to be the person I am today,” said Peter.
He is a learner from the class of 2005 who is helping the school to prepare for the centenary celebration, which will be taking place on July 18.
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“This celebration marks 100 years of consistent excellent service from the school to the people. It is very important that I remember and celebrate the place where everything began for me and others, and Bertrams Junior School is that special place for me,” said Peter.
“The values of discipline and a hardworking mentality have helped me succeed in overcoming numerous challenges in various aspects of my life,” said Peter.
He is the founder of Touch the Mind, a youth motivation and semi-business coaching organisation.
He said he started the organisation to inspire young people to change their situations in life.
“There is a need for the youth to take control of their future and protect their environment. The mind is where everything starts. If we get people to think right, they will act right.”
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The motto of the Touch the Mind organisation is “changing tomorrow today”.
“We all need to act positively now in order to contribute to the future well-being of our people, country and the planet,” said Peter.
He said he has wonderful memories of the school and that he will always treasure them.
“I loved the music lessons we had once a week with Mr Pantland and the interhouse sports competitions between Blue Gum, my team, and Yellowwood. Those moments taught us a lot.
“The school has a culture of love, compassion, and acceptance regardless of one’s background. This has been a good example which I will follow all my life,” said Peter.
He said his wish is for the school to grow and be one of the schools recognised for the wonderful work it does with the little resources it has.
“The school requires a lot of assistance in various key areas. The school still uses the same old equipment from my days of schooling here.
“There are no sports field or adequate sporting equipment for the learners,” said Peter.
He added that investment and corporate participation towards the improvement of this historic school are needed.
“We cannot afford to neglect such institutions. If the school is well looked after, the future of many young people will also be protected,” said Peter.
He said he is grateful for what the school has contributed to his life and encourages the school to keep contributing positively to learners who come through their care.
“I would like to salute all the teachers and the ever-so-hardworking principal for their great contribution to learners. May they continue to be the light that many underprivileged children need in order to see their future,” said Peter.
He also encouraged learners to follow the school’s slogan for their lives.
“Enjoy every moment of learning at the school and ensure to keep that slogan in your hearts wherever you go – ‘We are forever forward’,” said Peter.
