When plan becomes Crystal clear
Pupils at a Phoenix school have come up with novel way to study for coming exams
IT BEGAN with two matric pupils who approached the principal at Crystal Point Secondary in Phoenix, on behalf of their classmates, with an unusual request. Could they “camp out” at school, in order to improve their exam results. Hardly the kind of eagerness normally associated with pupils.
Sagie Moodley, the principal, said the reasons given by Naledi Mhlungu, 17, and Marcia Mthembu, 17, touched his heart.
The girls take up the tale. Mhlungu said: “I was getting bad marks in maths. I wanted a solution, so I turned to some of my peers. I was good at life science. Maybe I could help somebody with that, while they helped me with maths.” There was consensus. Mthembu then approached the head of department who was impressed with the innovative approach. “So, I asked Naledi to help me make a presentation to Mr Moodley, and also gave him a letter, setting out the request from the class,” said Marcia.
The problems the girls were pinpointing could bring a lump to any throat. But it is also a reminder that the social fabric of South Africa, though tattered, still holds together.
The girls said they walk long distances to and from school, wasting study time. The conditions under which they live – with many people crammed into a house – also means they have to wait for everyone to go to bed before they can begin their studies, late at night. Their parents, not Crystal Point principal Sagie Moodley, inspired by the motivation of his matric class of girls, has taken a leap of faith.
having the relevant education themselves, are unable to assist with answers to questions.
Moodley explained the girls wanted to “camp out” for two weeks before a major exam, and during the exam period. While taken aback, it set him thinking. He posed some questions: Had they spoken to their parents about this? Where would they sleep, bath and how would they eat?
“One of the girls said to me: ‘It will be better than the conditions at home’.”
Mhlungu and Mthembu said: “We were all prepared to bring blankets and sleep on the floor. We would bring a kettle from home to boil water and bath in the caretaker’s bathroom. Somehow, we would sort out the food.”
Moodley said the pupils had made a further commitment: if their exam results in June did not show an improvement, Moodley could always stop the programme.
Giving the lie to suggestions that South African youth are not exactly fired with the desire to excel, 40 girls asked to be given this opportunity.
Inspired by their desire to improve their results, Moodley began phoning friends and businessmen, asking for assistance. Soon, he realised, it was a much bigger challenge, a dream that needed to be nourished. He approached East Coast Radio, and the call went out on the station’s The Big Favour programme.
Damon Beard said the public had opened their hearts and their purse strings. “They have sponsored ablution facilities, and 40 mattresses, sheets, pillows, blankets. A security company has given one-year’s services to ensure they are safe.”
The school has turned two disused classrooms into a dormitory, and new showers and toilets have been installed.
Moodley is still concerned about the question of food, and is putting the word out on social media, hoping people will support the girls as well.
“There is still so much good-heartedness out there. I would hate my child to be in such a situation, and these school kids are all my children,” he said. “I am passionate about what I do. I helped turn Crystal Point around from a poorly performing school to a top matric performer in Phoenix last year.
“Now I want to give these children, so eager to improve their results, a fair chance. I want to be transparent about the project, and am happy to show anyone around.”
But what is to prevent the project turning into an extended pyjama party?
Moodley said a couple of parents had agreed to stay overnight on certain days.
“Two of our female educators have been put in charge of the programme. Given the eagerness of the learners, some teachers have also come forward. They will assist academically, as well as provide supervision.”
Caretaker Emily Mbhele will also be there to keep an eye on things.
Meanwhile, Vasudevan Subrayen, manager of the Phoenix central circuit for the Department of Education, said the department has given the project its blessing.
“But we still have to have a meeting with the principal and the governing body, to ensure the safety of the children.”
The project is expected start on May 24.
Call Moodley on 079 5510 470 if you wish to help. to