Slangspruit Primary School Grade 7 Celebration December 2010

As the education year ended early December, it was time for a delicious lunch and treats for the kids at Slangspruit Primary School. This year the school organized a celebration for the grade 7s as they departed for high school. They had a local radio station supply a DJ and an MC and guest speakers; and the grade 7s got dressed to the nines!

The pressure to purchase fancy clothes for Farewell is huge, as you can imagine seeing some of these outfits. The kids felt so proud though and took the event really seriously, even listening quietly to many prolonged speeches. Luckily the rain held off and it was cool; summers in our area are hot and steamy and those tents are ovens!

One day there will be a multipurpose building that the school will share with the community of Slangspruit since there is no meeting place in this old and forgotten Township. Ukulapha is currently fundraising to meet this goal.

There was a fancy decorated main table for the guests and the school’s governing body and the grade 7s all filed in to enjoy the entertainment and speeches and messages prepared especially for them. Thereafter they enjoyed a special meal at fancy tables in the classroom and I think felt quite special. I took mom along with me this time and she was really touched witnessing the excitement and sheer joy. It is truly amazing how so many kids can sit for so long and behave! There are many lessons to be learned from the Township kids…..

The teachers and pupils all help prepare food as cooking for 840 kids is quite an undertaking! As treats all received a bag of chips and a large Tex bar with much glee.

Those of you who have visited Ukulapha and the Slangspruit community know the sheer joy being amongst the children. It takes little to elicit a smile; a hug a high five, food for sure and certainly the camera; if you take one you take many pictures! To know that lives are touched by simple gestures, being recognized and noticed; consistency and reliability goes a long way.

Ukulapha is still in the process of trying to improve the daily lunch program with some consistency; purchasing 840 pieces of fruit is quite a feat! The government feeding program allows R2 (28c)/learner/day. It costs R7 ($1) for a loaf of bread. The school has 2 vegetable gardens as yet inadequate for their daily needs. There is a possibility of sponsorship for vegetable tunnels, allowing for crop rotation and a significant supply to nourish the lunch program.

Mom & Mr. Msomi the school principal and the class of 2010 transitioning……we wish them well and much success!