Wind farms solve overcrowding

The issue of overcrowded classrooms could be a thing of the past for Loeriesfontein Primary School pupils. The Loeriesfontein Wind Farm launched a teacher support programme aimed at relieving the burden of overcrowded classrooms for grades 1-3 pupils.

The wind farms committed to finding the salaries of two foundation phase teachers for a three-year period. The need for additional teachers was identified during a school visit last year. It was obvious that classroom facilities and teachers were stretched way beyond the threshold.

Overcrowded classrooms, where more than 50 pupils were in attendance, meant that both pupils and teachers were struggling to cope. Overcrowding negatively impacts pupils' academic outcomes and teacher morale," project manager of Loeriesfontein Wind Farm, Christo Loot said.

"Many of the classrooms at the school stood vacant and with the upgrades at the school and additional teachers, classes are more conducive towards learning." Loots said the teachers were appointed by the school governing body while Loeriesfotntein Wind Farm paid their salaries in accordance with the education department's framework. Khobab Wind Farm project manager Kevin Foster said pupils who received this kind of support early in life, did better later.

"It is a well-known fact that children who receive quality early childhood development and foundation phase education make better socio-economic progress in life. These are reasons why we have committed to funding the two additional teachers."

By: Nomusa Mvubu
Nomusam@thenewage.co.za