Minister Fritz Visits Two Oceans Academy in Ruiterwaght - 22 February 2012

On Wednesday, 22 February, 2012 the Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Albert Fritz led a German delegation from the Catholic University of Munich on a visit to 2 schools in Delft. The schools namely Kairos Primary and Leiden Secondary schools form part of the MOD Centre initiative which is funded and supported by departments Social Development (DSD) and Cultural Affairs and Sports (DCAS).

The MOD centres present the youth with opportunities to participate in after-school development programmes which vary from sporting activities such as netball to fine arts namely drama, singing and dancing. In addition to the above, the Department of Social Development provides a meal to each learner in the programme - for many it could be the only meal for the day.

"There are 18 schools in the Delft area and most of them are overcrowded," said Mr Zuhair Isaacs, a representative from DCAS. "There are many such imbalances in the community which lead to social ills such as gangsterism, however the programme has given the children a sense of belonging and identification."

"I would like to see the total increase to include more members" said Minister Fritz. There are approximately 140 learners at the Kairos Primary school, who attend this programme. The school boasts with a choir and dance group who will present their talents at an eisteddfod.

"My staff are very dedicated to the initiative and the highly motivated learners have identified them as role models," said the Ms M.L. Abrahams, the Principal of the school.

In a similar vein, the learners of the Leiden Secondary School delivered a spectacular theatrical performance which included items of song and dance. A grade 10 learner and aspiring actor, Wiseman Minyela commented: "We need to find our own destiny, we can either destroy it or do it the right way... the only time when I am really happy is when I am on stage... the programme is a way of keeping us away from doing wrong."

"The enthusiastic group is a reflection of a diverse representation of learners who come from different areas, some as far as Langa and Gugulethu," said the Principal, Mr HS Mteto. "Our school has an 87% pass rate which is the third highest in the province!"

"I would like to see the youth inspired to levels of excellence! We can extend these opportunities to the learners, but they must be prepared to put in the time, attend the programmes, and develop their skills and talent. This is when things work better together." said Minister Albert Fritz.