By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she is proud to announce the official conversion of Maano Secondary School in Masutlhe II village, outside Mahikeng, to an Agricultural Focus School on 17 May 2024. Motsumi made this announcement during the second-last instalment of the Thuntsa Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery program led by the acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi.
She further said Maano Secondary School, previously a public ordinary school, was selected as one of seven Agricultural Focus Schools in Ngaka Modiri Molema in 2023, with the aim to equip learners with the skills and knowledge they need to participate in the agricultural economy and develop a love for farming.
Motsumi added that North West is an agrarian province and the establishment of agricultural schools is crucial to enforce these skills and love for agriculture amongst our learners.
“This will ensure a brighter future not only for our learners, but for the entire province’s agricultural sector. The school received a R2.5 million from the Maths, Science, and Technology Conditional Grant, to establish its agricultural production lines.
“Currently, the school boasts of a crop production, poultry production (including broilers, layers, free-range chickens, and egg housing), goat production, and plant production in the form of orchard,” said Motsumi.
She said the conversion of Maano Secondary School coincides with the distribution of National School Nutrition Program (NSNP) utensils to the school. Motsumi said other schools in the Ngaka Modiri Molema district that benefited from the NSNP, include Kebonang Secondary School, Kgosi Kebalepile Secondary School, St. Mary’s Special School and Motheo Thuto Secondary School.
“We also visited Boitsanape Technical School, which is currently refurbishing its school furniture. The school is additionally providing training to its General Assistants to help them further develop their skills.
“The department remains steadfast in providing its learners with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. By fostering a love for agriculture and equipping students with the necessary skills,” she said.
The Guardian 