By: Theka Ramokone
The Student Representative Council (SRC) recently conducted a successful community outreach programme at Phunyako High School, located in Ditlhopaneng village, Ga-Molepo. The outreach event brought together learners and educators from several local schools, including Mmamodikeleng, Zoetfontein, and Ngwanaseale.
SRC along with phunyaka school teachers and SGB. Photo by: Mohau Seleka
The initiative aimed to uplift and support learners by donating sanitary pads and providing much needed assistance with online applications, particularly for those facing challenges in accessing or navigating digital platforms. SRC project officer, Koketso Kgapane said” I chose Phunyako High School for our SRC outreach because I felt the learners deserved support they hadn’t received before. We donated sanitary pads and gifts, and offered guidance on online applications. Although we planned hands-on help with laptops, data issues led us to focus on educating learners about the process instead.We’re planning follow-up visits for deeper support. This is just the beginning , we are committed to building a long-term relationship with the schools and helping learners with application fees through resources from the University of Limpopo”.
Phillipine Mahlako, Principal of Phunyako High School, shared how deeply meaningful the SRC outreach is for both learners and staff. “Our learners are driven and dream of university, this kind of support lifts their spirits and reminds them it’s possible. It’s painful to see girls miss school simply because they don’t have sanitary pads especially those who stay alone. This donation is a true relief, It brings dignity and helps them stay focused on their studies. And when it comes to online applications, many of our learners struggle due to limited data. This support came at the right time to ease that pressure.” she said . “Many of them try so hard but feel stuck, this initiative gives them real hope,” she added. Mahlako expressed her wish for continued support, saying, “Just a few visits a year from the university could change lives it shows our learners they belong there too.”
SRC connects with learners #SRCSupport#LearnersEmpowerment. Photo by: Mohau Seleka
Moloto Maboya, Chairperson of the SGB at Phunyako High School, expressed heartfelt gratitude for being chosen for the SRC outreach. “This recognition brings hope and greatness to our school,” he said. He believes the support makes learners feel valued and connected to a bigger community through the University of Limpopo. He added, “This kind of initiative boosts self-esteem and encourages more involvement from parents and the community,” and hopes similar programmes can reach other schools as well.
“I’m truly grateful to the SRC,” said Molepo Tebogo, a Grade 12 science learner at Phunyako High School. “For once, we feel seen and important. Coming from a rural area, we don’t always get this kind of support.” She spoke about her struggles with online applications, especially not having a phone.
“It’s hard to apply when you have nothing to work with,” she admitted. On receiving sanitary pads, she added, “It helps me take care of myself and come to school without stress. With everything you’ve done your time, your gifts, your kindness ,I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Tebogo Phahla, also a grade 12 learner in the general stream, shared how much the SRC’s support means to him and his peers. “Not everyone gets this kind of help at home, so it really fills a gap for us,” he said. He emphasized the value of the guidance on online applications, calling it “a lifeline” for students who wouldn’t know where to start otherwise. “This program wasn’t just for girls it motivated all of us and helped us focus ahead of our exams,” he added.” It gave us more than just things ,it gave us hope.”
The event concluded on a high note with a lively question and answer session, allowing learners to engage directly and seek clarity on key topics. It ended with the distribution of gifts, leaving the learners feeling appreciated, motivated, and inspired.
