Penreach award leads to big improvement

The Penreach awards serve as an opportunity for Penreach, to thank the dedicated teachers who inspire and commit their time, all in the efforts of achieving educational excellence in the province.

During the course of the year, Penreach advisors perform continuous progress assessments at target ECD centres, and the ECD centre of the year award is based on a full year’s evaluation, looking at pro-active maintenance of the school, a high standard of safety and cleanliness, good recordkeeping and up-to-date developments, and academic progress reports for every child. Last year, 3 schools stood out with their improvements, and Luvolethu ECD centre came out tops, winning first prize.

Elsie Molobela, centre manager of Luvolethu school in Elandshoek, takes great pride in striving for educational excellence for all children, despite difficult circumstances. Elsie’s determination is certainly recognised by Penreach, which motivated her award. This deserving recipient proudly displays her ECD centre of the year trophy, and confidently lists the improvements done at the school, since receiving her monetary award. Elsie reflects on the joy and instant relief she felt when the winner of the award was announced. The investment in improvements to the school are evident and her relief stems from hard work paying off in the end.

Luvolethu school upgrades

The monetary award from Penreach and sponsor Sappi, enabled Elsie the opportunity to conduct some basic improvements to the school. This included purchasing shelving for book storage, extending her playground and upgrading the fencing for the safety of the children. There are now sufficient drainage systems installed, as well as dustbins for sanitary refuse and tiles in the kitchen. The children of Luvolethu are most enthusiastic of the new additions to the playground, toy motorbikes, a new swing and fixed old swing, and a sand-pit.

Luvolwethu school currently stands with 7 staff members and 76 children, of which the demand of space for children from the community is growing faster than their resources can handle. Elsie established new goals ahead of 2017, which included improving her infrastructure to accommodate the high demand for places in her school, she intends to open a new class for the 2-3 year-olds.

Elsie envisions further development for her school, namely; upgrading her classrooms with all the educational resources needed for the development of her learners. The idea of building a school hall to showcase the children’s talents through shows for the community. As well as a computer centre to introduce children to technology at a young age. Furthermore, Elsie’s dream is to have a Luvolethu vehicle, which will be dedicated to transporting her school children safely to and from school.

“Penreach is a leader of my mind, a mentor. I was blind, but my curtains are open.” Elsie is proud to be associated with Penreach and continues to spread the word throughout her community. This worthy Penreach ambassador prioritises the registration of her teachers with Penreach, to ensure that they are making all the difference they can for the children in the community.