"If someone wants you to do something you feel you can’t share with your parents, you must know that it is wrong," was the advice of Dr Phindiwe Piko, Economics teacher at Kutliso Daniels Secondary School, to the Grade 9s of Joza's CM Vellem higher primary school.
"If someone wants you to do something you feel you can’t share with your parents, you must know that it is wrong," was the advice of Dr Phindiwe Piko, Economics teacher at Kutliso Daniels Secondary School, to the Grade 9s of Joza's CM Vellem higher primary school.
She was guest speaker at a farewell function for the pupils, whose school only goes as far as Grade 9, at Makana Resort, in Grahamstown. The event was attended by pupils, teachers and parents.
CM Vellem teacher, Nokuzola Lugodlo, told the gathering it was a tradition in the school to give the Grade 9s a send-off every year.
“Some of these kids start in Vellem, from Grade R up to Grade 9," she said. "As a school, we decided that we should not just let them go without saying goodbye.”
Lugodlo also said it was an achievement to have got even this far in their schooling, because some children didn't get the opportunity and others dropped out.
Piko warned pupils about the influences they would come across on their road to success.
"As you are going to different schools next year, please choose the right friends and groups," she said. The wrong groups would take them away from their ultimate goals.
“If your friend is pulling you in a direction you are not comfortable with, speak to your parents or teachers, or whoever you are close to.
"If someone wants you to do something you feel that you can’t share with your parents, you must know it is wrong,” she warned.
She also told them they could continue to turn to their teachers from CM Vellem, because they had already built a strong relationship with them. Pupil Xabiso Mnyamana spoke on behalf of the Grade 8s, wishing the Grade 9s all the best for the future. “You guys were like brothers and sisters to us, and we have learnt a lot from you,” he said.
