Fresh Start School Programme improves day-to-day lives of learners

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The implementation of the programme entails renovation of school buildings, infrastructure and equipment and is rolled out through the District Intervention Programme (DIP), which accounts for a bulk of the Trust's efforts. It is at an advanced stage, geared towards improved curriculum delivery, enhanced community involvement, improved district support and revamping 409 schools.

Three-year DIPs have been approved for two districts in Limpopo, two in Kwazulu-Natal, two in Eastern Cape, one in Mpumalanga and one in North West. The FSS programme is positively affecting the schools that are currently under the programme, not only the teachers but also the learners.

Learner, teacher response is positive

When interviewed, Masana Makhubele and Amukelani Rikhotso, learners from N'wamalobye Secondary School in the Vhembe District of Limpopo said, "It's much easier to develop the right mind-set towards learning now that the school has been renovated, and both teachers and learners now have a high sense of belonging and ownership."

N'wamalobye Secondary School in the Vhembe District of Limpopo faced some intractable challenges when it was first put on the FSS programme. "There was an overall lack of ownership, by teachers and learners," says Principal Kayivela Sambo.

"There was no co-operation or team spirit; our teachers suffered low morale and low self-esteem. We were unaware of our own potential. That atmosphere also affected the learners - they weren't being inspired with any commitment to learning, which was reflected in their behaviour: late-coming and absenteeism, bullying, graffiti and vandalism were rife."

He credits the FSS initiative with turning the school around. "The renovation of the school created a very conducive environment for learning, that brought hope to learners, teachers and parents alike. The morale and co-operation amongst teachers, management and learners has increased and team spirit has emerged; teachers have improved their time management and are now committed to teaching.

"This also affects the learners - we have no more late-coming, absenteeism or bullying, the general cleanliness of the whole school has improved, and graffiti is non-existent.

"We always hoped that the challenges our school faced would one day be addressed, but thanks to the FSS programme, that came about much sooner than we anticipated. The community is fully aware of the changes and appreciates them - the positive contribution of the FSS initiative marks the beginning of success in our school," concludes Sambo.