DSJ celebrates 30 years of New Secondary School
PARKTOWN – Deutsche Internationale Schule Johannesburg celebrated the 30th anniversary for their New Secondary School programme.
The Deutsche Internationale Schule Johannesburg (DSJ) celebrated 30 years of their New Secondary School programme, otherwise known as NSec, on 1 November.
The programme which began in 1989 gives opportunities to learners from previously disadvantaged backgrounds to experience private school education without financial burdens. Each year, the German government has supported 25 learners from schools including Tumang Primary, Dumezweni Primary and St John Berchman’s Primary to integrate into DSJ at a Grade 5 level and be supported until completing school.
Addressing a hall filled with current learners, guests and past learners, NSec principal Franz Prenissl explained the brave decision made by the German government in 1989, before the fall of apartheid in South Africa.
“NSec hasn’t changed the world, but for the 25 children we have supported each year for 30 years, it has made a huge difference, allowing for equal opportunities for all, reflecting the rainbow nation we are a part of,” said Prenissl.
Board chair Sune Brugman said, “We are delighted, as a board, to lead this diverse, integrated and socially responsible programme where we celebrate the culture of each learner.”
Learners from partner schools shared some history of their schools and entertained guests through dance and song.
German Ambassador in South Africa Dr Martin Schäfer recalled that it was also the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, symbolising the end of a divided Germany and the end of the Cold War.
“The start of NSec was an important step to support transformation in South Africa and help fight inequality and heal the wounds of the past… To listen, show empathy and respect differences in one another helps us to grow,” said Schäfer.
Past beneficiaries of the NSec programme Dr Zukiswa Mthimunye, Gail Mbali Dludla, Ayanda Njanya and Dr Donald Fick reflected on their experiences at DSJ and how it had helped to prepare them for life after school.
Dludla, who is now a commercial executive at Averda Waste Management company and a non-executive director at Reach for a Dream, said, “The school changed my life for the better. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be schooled here. I grew up in Soweto, raised by a single mother. When I came here, I experienced racism, but as I grew up I realised that it was mostly fear of the unknown. The school taught all of us to be tolerant and built up our confidence to enable us for life.”
Fick, who is now a surgeon at Milpark Hospital, a mere 60 metres from the school, said the school had enabled him to become fearless as he took on the future.
Related articles:
DSJ learner wins five medals at International Dance Organanisation Grand Prix
DSJ learners battle it out at netball and soccer tournaments #SchoolSport
