Educating children for 100 years

It was a joyous day at Bertrams Junior School on July 18 as the school celebrated 100 years of existence.

The school shares a birthday with Nelson Mandela and the spirit of Tata was reflected at the special occasion.

The special guest of the day was Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga.

“I’m pleased and excited to be here today. I’m especially excited about seeing the children. They are our future,” said Motshekga.

Also read: Bertrams Junior to celebrate 100th birthday

She said it’s amazing the school has managed to keep its doors open for 100 years.

“The school is not well resourced but it has survived and stood the test of time. Some schools despite having resources don’t survive,” said Motshekga.

She took the opportunity to thank the parents and the community for supporting the school over the years.

“Parents are usually not concerned about the child’s education until high school. They are not focused on primary school years.

“Primary years are the prime time of a child’s life. This is the time when we have to encourage them to read to ensure they are eager to learn,” said Motshekga.

Also read: Bertrams Junior School celebrates their birthday too on July 18

She explained that the chaos and challenges experienced in high school is the reflection of the foundation phase.

“A matric learner’s handwriting tells you something about the learner’s foundation years and at high school, it is already too late to address problems,” said Motshekga.

She said as the school celebrates its 100 years and see the things they have achieved she wishes them more growth.

Principal Khanyi Twala took the guests and learners down memory lane of how far the school has come.

She spoke about how they were adopted by Laura Wegener who introduced them to the FIDI 39 Club in 2006 and helped them raise funds until 2015.

“That was an amazing journey for us as a school because she understood our dream and supported us. She helped us achieve our dream and we appreciate that,” said Twala.

She said the school still needs a science lab, library and new classes.

“We have been using our centenary year to raise funds and we ask the community to support us in our fund-raising events,” said Twala.

Also read: Twala passionate about Bertrams Junior

She thanked all the people who have been involved and supporting the school.

“I would like to thank Jimmy from Bertrams Spar who has been supporting us in so many ways. We really are grateful.

“Thank you to Nando’s for the cake donations and everyone who made the celebration wonderful,” said Twala.

The minister had the opportunity of cutting the cake with class of 1952 learner Sandi van Tonder and Twala.