The sound of excitement and activity echoed through the Recreation Hall in Albany Road as Amasango Career School held their prizegiving ceremony.
The sound of excitement and activity echoed through the Recreation Hall in Albany Road as Amasango Career School held their prizegiving ceremony.
Amasango Career School caters for street children, children who are in conflict with the law and those who are from impoverished backgrounds. The annual ceremony aims to award children who have performed exceptionally well with regard to academics, behaviour, extramural activities and peer education.
Conducted by Lungi Shumane, the school’s choir rendered a few choral songs to open the event. The gumboot dancing group, marimba band and traditional dancers impressed guests and fellow learners who were all loudly cheering and applauding the performance.
The principal of Amasango, Jane Bradshaw, says that she is proud of her learners and that she wishes them all the best for the upcoming year. She also encouraged other learners who did not receive awards not to give up but to work harder and change their attitude.
"Dream of what you want to be, reach for the stars because it’s your dream," she said. A former Amasango learner, Siyanda Antoni, who is currently doing Grade 10 at Nathaniel Nyaluza High School shared his experience with other learners. He told them about how he was always in and out of prison. He explained to the learners about the juvenile section of the prison where he was kept and that he learned a lot while he was there.
"I decided to change my life so I started reading the Bible," he said. He also encouraged young people to stop getting in with the wrong crowd as bad influences may corrupt their minds with the wrong ideas. Antoni says he seeked help at Amasango where he was warmly welcomed. "I’m proud to be a former learner from Amasango because it has changed my attitude towards life,” he said.
Guest speaker, Pinky Sobahle who is a training provider and consultant, fed the children’s minds with words of advice and reminded them that their existence in life is not a mistake. "You are wanted, you are loved and you were born for a purpose," she said.
She also that they were not born to suffer and that they should not let anyone discourage them. She also warned them that if they commit any crimes they will have criminal records which will make life difficult for them when they embark upon their careers. "You have to make the right choices in life," said Sobahle.
Learners were then awarded for various achievements and some received more than three awards. Various departments that were present at the event included the SAPS, Department of Education, Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Ward 10 councillor Xolani Simakuhle and members of the School Governing Body.
