Rally To Read 2012 Mpumalanga - 1st School | Ekuphumuleni

 As we drive through the settlement to our first school we are warmly greeted by just about everyone present... this school Ekuphumuleni Primaty has 25 teachers and 734 learners.

Schools like this have recently grown in size due to restructuring and the closing down of smaller rural schools. I know myself that one of the most picturesque schools I visited last year, Melanie Primary no longer existed.

It was heartwarming to see the childrens banners as we arrived and there was an impressive turnout awaiting us as we took the equipment from the vehicles into the courtyard. 

A pupil confidently steps up to the mic and anounces that she and her school have achieveved so much and personally thanks the sponsors. Its this schools second year in the ralls cycle so it has allready seen great benefit.

The program director for the event Ms T Mogane Introduces everyone and the choir stands for the national anthem... its packed in here as the school principal gives her welcome speach along with the Department Official. 

This years sponsors then have chance to present this years equipment followed by readings from the pupils whilst under the teachers watchful eye, its nice to see teachers at this school being particularly attentive to the kids.

  Everyone was then treated with a series of  readings and musical performances by the children and even some of the teachers.

Merina our team leader then gives a very impressive speech in the native language...You could see this clearly impressed the locals and sponsors alike.

 Following the signing of the Rally's contract we are taken on a tour of the classrooms.

Its also very clear to see here how precious this time spent can be to the kids and sponsors alike...the children in particular being very eager to reveal their new found reading and writing skills.

Its been a very inspiring visit, for some sponsors its been emotional too, as they re-call and compare their own childhood privileges. Before we head back to our vehicles and travel to our second school, there's time for sponsors to say thier goodbyes to the teachers and exchange thanks. We have a 40 minute drive ahead to our next school.