Joyful learners reach out and give enthusiastically in the spirit of welcoming spring and new beginnings

Spring hats, fun in the sun, entrepreneurship and charitable works were the order of the day at Jabez Christian Academy on Friday when learners celebrated several occasions simultaneously.
School principal Elana Erasmus said while the school supported Casual Day, they also decided to make it more fun for the learners and cater to their creative and business senses, as well as involve them in charitable works.
With regard to their creativity, learners each had to decorate a spring hat to wear to school. Winning hats were selected and the first place winner, Rutendo Ngwenya, won free meals from the tuck shop for a week. In second place was Neo Teffo and third place was shared between Mpho Selepe and Thando Zwane.
Learners also collected foodstuff and handed it over to Rethabile Crèche and Pre School principal Phuti Bopape who thanked the school for the much-needed supplies.
“Our school is situated in Extension 44 and most parents whose children attend there are impoverished so every little bit helps,” she said.
During the year, learners also collected all their spare change to be donated to the Bible Society of South Africa and on Friday they laid out the coins to form the word ‘Bibles’. Members of Bikers in Christ led by Deon Froehlich accepted the donation, which added up to over R1 600.
“This donation, together with other funds raised by us, will be handed over to The Word Riders, the bikers’ division of the Bible Society and bibles will be bought and distributed to those who do not have any,” Froehlich explained adding their gratitude for the donation.
Later on in the day, the Grade 7 learners were able to put their business skills to the test by having an entrepreneurs’ day with plenty to eat and drink available.
Erasmus said learners and educators alike enjoyed the day. “It was wonderful to be able to make a difference and allow the learners to enjoy themselves too,” she concluded.

Story and photos: KAREN VENTER
>>karen@observer.co.za