Oranjekrag Combined School, formerly known as Oranjekrag Middelbare school, is set to host their first matric farewell for their first ever matric class since its start, 50 years ago. Given that this is a no-fee school, sponsors are being called to help making the learners’ magical night come to life.
Situated at Noziswe Park at the Gariep Dam, the school was founded in 1972 and only went up until Grade 8. At that time, learners would have to leave their homes to further their education in nearby towns. It was not until 2006 that the school added a grade 9 class.
According to a member of the matric farewell committee at the school, Eleanor Botha, during that period, the principal applied for FET. “In 2020, the school became a combined School with the addition of the first grade 10 class, and now this class has become our first matric class,” says Botha.
This marks a huge milestone for the school, seeing that many of the Gariep Dam residents had to matriculate from different schools since there was no matric class before.
“For many years Marelize Snyman, the former principal, fought to have her vision realised of ensuring that learners no longer have to go to a new school to complete their FET training,” continues Botha.
A grade R teacher, Tima Swarts, had the following to say: “It is a surreal feeling. The majority of the learners started their education as grade R learners and will now be matriculating. I’m filled with pride knowing that I played a part in their education. It is heart-warming to have seen them grow into the individuals they are today. It drives me to better myself to improve the result of the grade R learners before me, as they will be our future matric class.”
Given that it is a no-fee school, the school does not have the means to budget for the matric farewell so funds had to be raised by the matriculants through fun days and other fundraising initiatives at school.
“The funds/sponsorships that we did, however, obtain were from local businesses, which helped a lot but are not enough to carry all the costs. We are still struggling to generate funds/sponsorships for the decor, food, and beverages needed to make the evening a success,” explains Botha.
To get in touch with the school with regards to donations or further information, contact 051-754-0234/083-266-3102.
Bonolo Moloi
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