The Bethelsdorp Comprehensive School in Gqberha’s northern areas this week rejoiced over the handover of R10 000 to the school.
Schools who entered as a bulk entry in the recent Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer stood a chance of winning R10 000 and an opportunity to be interviewed by one of their drive show presenters on the station. An Educator at the school, Adre Weideman took up the challenge and entered close to 30 learners and educators in the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer, presented by ISUZU Motors South Africa.
School principal, Jerome Meyer said the money will be spent on educators. As a quintile-three no-fees school, Bethelsdorp Comprehensive School does not have funding for staff development. “We will therefore use the money for our strategic planning workshop and training and development of staff,” explained Meyer.
Bethelsdorp Comprehensive School was established 51 years ago as a direct feeder to learners who were relocated from areas such as South End and Newtown during the 1960s. Soon the 1 200 learners and 39 educators will be moving into brand-new premises which are currently in at advanced phase of construction, situated next to the existing school.
The Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer celebrated 25 years this year and attracted close to 12,000 entries in Gqeberha, George and East London. “Every year we encourage schools to participate in the event. It is also an opportune reminder for youth to be aware of early detection and treatment, within their families and communities,” said Lesley Geyer, Algoa FM Marketing Manager.
This year’s beneficiaries of the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer are Wings and Wishes and Reach for a Dream. Both organisations fulfil a critical role in children living with life-threatening diseases. Wings and Wishes support families with transport to treatment centres usually in other cities or provinces and Reach for a Dream provides hope to children by granting them a wish.
The Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer donation to Wings and Wishes will ensure that the organisation can continue booking flights and bus tickets for children and their caregivers, who also receive a snack pack and toiletries for the journey. While the support to Reach for a Dream includes the purchase of laptops and tablets which will allow dreamers to connect with their families while in hospital, do research, complete school assignments, learn, and develop as they will have access to the world.
