At the end of last term, principal Mr Cosmore Bango responded to an invitation from SpecSavers Mossel Bay to conduct eye testing at the school. All the school's learners, comprising just over 1000 in total, were tested and 20 merit cases were identified, requiring specialised eye testing done at SpecSavers, after which suitable glasses were provided to each child at no additional cost.
According to Mr Bango, there has already been a tremendous improvement in the learners' lives, especially pertaining to their school work.
"Educators are commenting that these learners can now participate properly in class and work much better due to their improved eye sight," says Mr Bango.
"We are also expecting an improvement in their results as an ideal outcome."
But this is not the only improvement the school has in its sights this term. Earlier this year, the school received a generous donation from two tourists, Jonathan Levy from England and Jonathan Schrire from Cape Town, who were in Mossel Bay doing the Oyster Catcher Hiking Trail.
After spending a night at a guest house in Dana Bay, run by one of the school's substitute teachers, the tourists indicated that they would like to visit the school. Upon speaking to Mr Bango, who indicated that the school was looking at improving its results in maths and language through tuition, an amount was offered to secure the services of educators to provide extra lessons at the school.
Having selected suitable educators, the school is currently implementing this tuition programme, with classes scheduled from Monday to Thursday afternoons and on Saturdays.
Some 110 learners have been identified to participate in this programme and results will be monitored by the donors to determine the success and the possible sustainability of the programme.
"We are just trying to make a difference," says Mr Bango.
Garden Route Primary is benefiting from a generous donation made by two benefators, Jonathan Levy (third left) and Jonathan Schrire (far right), earlier this year. Here they are with a substitute teacher at the school, Mr Schutte, their guide Willy from the Oyster Catcher Hiking Trail and Mr Cosmore Bango, principal of the school. Photo: Cornelle Carstens
