Phehellang is beacon of hope

FOR years Phehellang Secondary School in Parys, Free State, struggled with gangsterism which hampered its academic performance.

But today, the school which premier Ace Magashule and his MEC of education Tate Makgoe attended, was not only the pride of the small town of Parys but that of the province.

For two years in a row Phehellang has produced 100% pass rate in matric.

Speaking to Sowetan yesterday, principal Steven Mochela said 2013 and 2014 were difficult years as the school battled gangs who terrorised pupils.

But, he said, with the help of the community, parents and police, the school eliminated the gangs in 2015, the year it obtained its first 100% matric pass.

Chairperson of the school governing body Sekupi Mokhomo said, to solve the problem, the school brought former gang members to come talk to the pupils about the dangers of gangs. Parents whose children were involved with gangs also came to share their pain.

In 2015, the school also started having camps during Grade 12 exams where pupils would stay at school throughout the duration of exams under the supervision of parents.

The pupils would wake up at 4am to revise and prepare for school and after school they would get a break of 30 minutes and teaching would resume until 9pm. The learners got breaks of two hours during the sessions.

Mochela also said before exams school started at 6am for Grade 12 pupils, who only went home at 6pm and had no free Saturday and holidays during that period. –