Sihlengeni Primary School wins $50 000 Unesco prize

School plant exotic and indigenous trees, grass, millet and maize. They also introduced ground cover to mitigate land degradation and deforestation. They have rehabilitated a forest and also kept chickens and pigs. Some of the food produced is used to feed infants with the rest being sold locally,” reads part of a statement on the Unesco website.

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Dr Lazarus Dokora spoke to the Chronicle from Paris where he accompanied the School Headmaster Mr Sibanga Ncube and the School Development Association Chairperson to receive the award.

The awards ceremony was held on Friday in the French capital.

Minister Dokora said the award was a confirmation of the brilliance of the country’s education system.

“This award is an excellent confirmation of the brilliance of our education system. They spoke very well about our education system on the world stage. Those outspoken in criticism on our system are now licking their wounds,” said the Minister.

He said the ministry was being praised by other education ministries across Africa.

“We are getting accolades from other African countries and this goes to show just how esteemed our education system is, it is world class,” said Minister Dokora.

The minister commended the school, the parents committee and the community for their role in developing the school project since 1995.

Speaking at the award ceremony, a beaming Mr Ncube said:

“Sihlengeni Primary School promotes inclusive and