Nkandla celebrates top performing learners at Bizimali High School
On 15 March, Bizimali High School welcomed Zandile Mncandi-Mpanza, Mayor of Nkandla, Peggy Nkonyeni the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for education, nearby school principals, community members, learners, parents and educators to celebrate excellence in the school. Top performing learners in mathematics, science and English were presented with certificates and cash prizes, donated by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). Shanduka Foundation provided a monetary award to the overall best performing learner. The local church donated five laptops to the top learners. Educators were acknowledged for their hard work and commitment in extremely difficult teaching circumstances.
Bizimali is located in Nkandla, in the deep rural Kranskop mountain range in KwaZulu-Natal. Learners travel from far to attend Bizimali. Since there is no local hostel accommodation, the community opens its homes to those needing a place to stay.
The school has no access to electricity, limited access to water and there is severe overcrowding with up to 100 learners in a single classroom.
In 2012, the IDC adopted this school and committed to improve its infrastructure, access to basic resources and the up skilling of educators and school management. A leadership and strategic planning workshop was held in 2013 and the existing classrooms have been renovated making them safer and more conducive for teaching.
In an effort to recognise and nurture excellence, Adopt-a-School encourages an annual learner awards programme in all adopted schools. The IDC provides awards to all top performing students in its adopted schools. Shanduka Foundation awards each adopted school’s best overall learner with a cash prize.
”We feel empowered by your presence. We feel encouraged to go to the classroom and teach.”
– Principal, Bizimali High School
