Those words were spoken by the principal of the school these students attend. I had the privilege of sitting and talking with Mr. Makuse on Saturday morning. Principals' offices always have such a regal air about them, I almost felt like I was sitting in the oval office!
Mr. Makuse set the scene in telling us that when he began his post as principal around this time last year, the pass rate was 18%. Yes, eighteen percent!
He went on to explain how, over the past year, through a number of interventions and with the help of supports like TEN, they managed to get the pass rate up to 59% by the end of last year.
I was in awe and encouraged to hear about this 41% improvement!
The principal explained that one of the biggest challenges is the severe hunger experienced by the learners. Most of the students' parents work on a nearby farm but it is not consistent work and they are not able to make ends meet. Mr. Makuse said that the hunger is so acute that they have students fainting and passing out during assemblies and class. He has managed to get sponsors for food for the students, but only for 3 days a week. Mr. Makuse says that on the other two days they still have students fainting and passing out.
These same students are the bright-eyed, ready to learn individuals shown in the above picture that I got to talk to and joke with on a sunny Saturday morning.
