Maseala Progressive Secondary School’s Grade 12 learners are geared to tackle the National Senior Certificate examinations following a series of successful, educational winter enrichment classes that commenced on 17 June and concluded on Saturday in Bethlehem, Free State.
The winter camp did not only achieve its main objective which was to inspire the matric class of 2019 but it also exposed the learners to the diversity in the country. A total of 50 learners, who embarked on the trip encountered Sotho speakers and were also exposed to the difference in climate as opposed to in Limpopo. A variety of mouth-watering dishes also formed part of the journey while some of the learners were exposed to the reality of life away from home as they will be furthering studies in different institutions of higher learning next year.
Maseala Progressive Secondary School Deputy Principal Abraham Mmethi highlighted that learners had to bunk together dormitory style which enabled them to learn each other’s characters and how to be tolerant and even accepting of their shortcomings. Furthermore, learners had to do their own laundry and manage their lunch money to inculcate values of responsibility and self-reliance, he explained. Mmethi further indicated that the highlights of the camp included excursions on two separate occasions.
“The first was a tour of Bethlehem’s largest mall, Dihlabeng Mall, where learners spent the day shop-trotting between the array of shops that adorn the mall. The second excursion was a visit to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project which is part of the geography class’ topics for the final exams. The scenic view of the Maluti mountain ranges overlooks the Golden Gate Nature Reserve with its beautiful five star hotel which was the second stop of the excursion. Learners were in awe as they drove past and strolled around the picturesque Clarens, a beautiful tourist town some 35 km out of Bethlehem that has lovely boutique-style shops,” Mmethi narrated.
The three-week stay in the Free State was signed off with a glitzy matric gala dinner themed ‘Glow in the dark – Leap for the stars’ at the lush Lavender Hills Resort. Mmethi described the occasion as a scene to behold as the boys were princes in their immaculate suits while the girls were dressed like princesses heading to a ball. He further said the keynote address was given by Ntsebe Mofokeng, a motivational speaker and entrepreneur, who hails from Clarens but resides in Bethlehem. Mofokeng encouraged learners to think out of the box and never undermine their capabilities and abilities because they are future leaders and entrepreneurs.
Mmethi concluded by saying they were happy to have had an incident free camp and that learners were transformed and had an opportunity to prepare for life away from home while having their winter enrichment classes.
Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za
PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
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and Junior Chiloane.
