Learners from Damani village who performed well in school last year received a boost when they were presented with top-of-the-range laptops, printers, and other learning materials worth more than R150,000 during a glittering function held at the Damani Church of Christ on Sunday.
The prizes were donated by one of the village's most successful scholars, Mudzimba Ramagwede, who is now based in Gauteng.
Speaking during the event, well-known motivational speaker Mr N L Nefale said the function had been organised to celebrate the achievements of the learners. "We are not only celebrating the Grade 12 achievements of last year, but we are also awarding learners from Grade 10 and Grade 11," he said.
He called on those who have passed Grade 12 to continue focusing on their education and refrain from associating with bad influences who have no ambition of achieving great things in life. "Going to tertiary institutions does not mean you have the right to do as you wish and engage in illegal activities. Come back with a degree, not a baby," he said.
Addressing parents, members of the church, learners, and invited guests, the main sponsor of the function, Mr Mudzimba Ramagwede, said it was the responsibility of the entire community to foster a culture of learning. "Committed members of the community, committed parents, committed learners, and committed teachers are the only recipe for building an educated society. We have tried to lay the foundation for the community's success with what we have managed to buy for the learners today, and it is now up to other stakeholders in the community to motivate one another and push for better results," he said.
One of the star learners, Zwothe Ratshilumela, thanked her parents for supporting her from primary school to the secondary level. "I am calling on parents to support their kids if they want them to do well in school. With your support as parents, nothing can stop us from achieving our goals," she said.
Tshaulu Likhetha, who obtained seven distinctions, told those who will be doing Grade 12 this year that learners should attend classes, devote time to their studies, and believe in themselves. "Don't be influenced by peer pressure and remember that giving up on your dream is not an option," she said.