A Grade 5 class teacher at Roodepoort Primary School has taken on the responsibility of enriching the souls of her pupils, by reading from the Bible to her pupils every Wednesday morning for 15 minutes.
It all started when community leaders, including Celeste van Rensburg and a number of parents approached the school and requested that biblical studies be returned to the curriculum.
“The parents approached us and asked that we bring the Bible back to the school, and teacher Appollis took the project on with gusto. We then sent letters out to the parents informing them about the project and asking them for their written consent for their children to attend the readings, so the parents are well aware and happy. Children from other classes have been coming to the office and requesting the forms so their parents could allow them to take part,” she said.
With the consent of the parents in hand, Celeste introduced the Bible League International to the school, and after attending a six-week course at the League, teacher Isidor Appollis decided to read parts of the Scriptures about knowing God and what is expected of children their age, including teachings on values, morals, responsibility and attitude to the Grade 5 children.
Acting Deputy Principal, Juanita Orren, said she was proud of the pupils for being part of the course and enjoying it.
Although the programme started with just one class, the school is planning to introduce it to all 1 200 of its pupils by the end of the year.
At the end of the six-week course, Pastor Joey Moholo from the League visited the school, and presented all the pupils in the Grade 5 class with certificates and an easy-to-read version of the New Testament for Children.
Celeste hailed the programme as a success and vowed to do more to help the pupils of the school. “How better to start making a difference in the community than by starting at school with bringing God back. I must thank Joey for assisting the school with this unique and wonderful programme. I can see the positive influence of the Bible in the class. There is a great sense of discipline and respect from them. With the help of teachers and parents, I’m sure all the school’s pupils will have Bibles by the end of the year,” she said.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Randfontein Herald, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
