Fresh cuts for a fresh start: Pupils get free haircuts ahead of schools reopening
THE NON-PROFIT organisation (NPO) Phetogo ya Setshaba treated pupils to free haircuts in preparation for the new school year as classes resume on Wednesday.
Setshaba Modise from Phetogo ya Setshaba said the back-to-school outreach programme was held in partnership with Ward councillor John “Valdez” and the ANC Youth League at the Number 5 taxi rank on Adam Namakola Street in Galeshewe on Tuesday.
“Free haircuts were given to underprivileged schoolchildren in preparation for the new academic year,” said Modise. “In addition to the free haircuts, we collected donations of essential school items, such as shoes, socks, pants, and other necessities.”
Modise said that the haircuts boosted the confidence and self-esteem of the children. “They will be able to enter their classrooms feeling proud and prepared.”
Meanwhile, the Premier Zamani Saul will lead the Northern Cape provincial government’s “Back to School“ campaign by visiting Khiba Secondary School in Gamopedi in the John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) District.
Office of the Premier spokesperson Naledi Gaosekwe said the JTG district mayor, Queen Mogatle-Thaone, would accompany the premier to ensure that learning and teaching took place on the first school day.
“As part of the premier’s ongoing commitment to improving the public education system, government will focus on upgrading school facilities, building new schools, expanding on modern digital learning opportunities, and providing additional resources to learners in need,” she added.
The MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, Mase Manopole, will be visiting Dibotswa High School and KS Shuping High School in Kuruman on Wednesday.
Department spokesperson Stephen Galane said the MEC would reopen the school monitoring programme, in collaboration with the Department of Education and the Northern Cape provincial government, to ensure a smooth start to the academic year.
“The MEC will donate comfort packs and sanitary towels, as well as stationery. The government aims to address the basic needs of disadvantaged learners, promoting their well-being, dignity, and ability to fully participate in their education,” said Galane.
He added that they would plant trees, establish food gardens at schools and donate litter bins as part of initiatives to create sustainable and environmentally-conscious learning environments.
