The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms. Makhotso Sotyu, today visited Boaramelo Combined School in Jagersfontein in the Free State as part of government’s Back-to-School oversight campaign.
Deputy Minister Sotyu was accompanied by Xhariep District Mayor, Cllr Irene Mehlomakhulu, and Kopanang Local Municipality, Cllr Xolile Tseletsele.
The Back-to-School campaign is an opportunity for the Deputy Minister to conduct oversight duties – assessing the state of school readiness for the 2023 academic year. In addition, Deputy Minister Sotyu used the visit to provide learners with school supplies that will aid learners and teachers to fulfil their educational goals.
Addressing the more than 150 primary school learners, Sotyu said she was heartened to see so many of the pupils excited about the academic year.
“Education is the cornerstone of securing a successful future. As learners, I would hope you commit to your studies, perform well and be pleasurable students to your teachers. To the educators, it’s wonderful to see the commitment on your side; ensuring that children remain in school, providing support to help them succeed in these primary years, she said.
The Deputy Minister also used the opportunity to encourage the students to be environmental warriors and green champions. She reminded them of the responsibility each person has in protecting the environment. This includes recycling and reusing of household waste, ensuring the community is clean from illegal dump sites by refraining from littering as well planting trees and vegetable gardens at the school and in their homes.
During this year’s Back-to-School campaign, the Deputy Minister donated 70 eco-desks, 700 LED lights, 800 school shoes, 800 bottles, 800 school bags, sanitary packs and gardening tools. The event ended with the planting of trees.
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