There was plenty of dancing at the launch of the Learner Incentive Programme in Hangberg last week.
The Hangberg sport field played host to Grade 8 and 9 pupils from Silikamva and Hout Bay high schools for the launch of the Leaner Incentive Programme on Friday January 20.
The Learner Incentive Programme, an initiative introduced by the Hout Bay Partnership in collaboration with the DG Murray Trust and Western Cape government After School Game Changer project, was created as a means to help increase pupil retention by encouraging children to participate in after-school activities.
The programme looks to reinforce academic performance and positive social behaviour by creating partnerships across the schools and organisations in Hout Bay to maximise opportunities and address socio-economic challenges faced by some pupils.
A diverse range of after-school offerings from arts and culture, sports and recreation, life skills and environmental programmes, and academic support are in place at both schools to ensure every pupil can access the additional support or interest activity that suites them.
Custom made “passports” have been designed so that the pupils will track their progress as they earn stamps from their extramural facilitators after every session attended. The more sessions attended, the more stamps earned. At the end of each term the pupils will be awarded prizes in different categories, from bronze to gold, based on the number of sessions they have participated in.
On the day of the launch, pupils were entertained by Peter Michaels, the charismatic Hangberg emcee, who held their attention with his magic tricks and participation prizes.
Abraham Oliver, centre manager at the False Bay Centre for Entrepreneurship, who grew up in Hangberg himself, gave a short motivational speech to the pupils about the importance of believing in themselves and never underestimating their abilities because of their circumstances.
The day also included performances by the talented Harvest Youth Project dance groups and a high energy Broadway/contemporary routine by Amoyo Performing Arts Foundation.
The day ended with sandwiches, fruit and juice, sponsored in part by Hout Bay Pick n Pay, being handed out to the pupils after a long day of
learning, dancing, singing, laughing and a lot of sun.
I Hout Bay businesses interested in supporting the incentive programme can contact Ashley Newell at ashley@houtbaypartnership.co.za
