Klipspruit West Secondary learners received a visit from actor Zane Meas and Mrs Africa Worldwide 2019 Natasha De Matos in hopes to motivate them.
The high school has been in the media for being one of the lowest performing schools in Gauteng and other issues.
The visit which was organised by Chantel Bloy from Educate Develop and Learn for life (EDL) also saw the likes of doctor Keshia Mohamed at the school.
Meas who is also the founder of the Fatherhood Foundation shared: “They called me to the school to give the learners a motivational talk and they also want me to assist with some drama classes at the school. We are going to partner with the school from a social behavioural change programme. This school is one of the neglected ones so I want to bring these programmes here because it is where it’s needed. The social behavioural change programmes focus on anti-drugs, the future, family matters and other topics. Today’s talk is just the kick off to our partnership.”
The Fatherhood Foundation has programmes at schools in Westbury, Riverlea, Bosmont and Coronationville.
Meas would like to bring the drama classes to the school so that learners can be part of a cast and perform in plays at the school.
In his speech he told the learners to live out their dreams and not feel that their dreams are unattainable.
He also spoke to the teachers and told them that they have the choice to either make the children soar or fall because they are speeding more time with the learners. Meas spoke to the matric learners and encouraged them to remain focused this year.
“It’s time for other business men and women to give back to their communities, our learners need to see the success that comes out of their community, and not have drug dealers and gangsters as role models,” said Meas.
The Fatherhood Foundation would like to start programmes at the school before the first term ends.
De Matos spoke on the importance of following your dreams and not being your own destiny killers. The Mrs Africa Worldwide 2019 told learners that even in failure, they should look on the brighter side and use their failure as a stepping stone.
Acting principal Fareed Davids said the programme of the day was to motivate, change the learner’s mind-set and move them away from the negativity.
“We are starting with changing their mindsets and then we are going to have study programmes. Doctor Keshia Mohamed is ensuring that we have a study programme and a library centre.
“Eldomart is sponsoring us with meals for the matric learners on Saturdays, they also assisting us with an SMS programme. We would just like to thank everyone who is partnering with us in order for our school to become a success,” shared Davids.
The school will be having their School Governing Body (SGB) elections on April 10 and the acting principal is hopeful that after the elections, residents will become more involved in changing the school for the better.
