History was made in Struisbaai last week with the launch of the Struisbaai Primary Skills Facility building, a pilot project aimed at teaching young learners important practical skills such as welding and plumbing as well as soft skills such as values-based leadership.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and outgoing Provincial Minister of Education Debbie Schäfer launched the Struisbaai Primary Skills Facility building, which is linked to the Western Cape Government’s priority of providing technical and vocational skills learning opportunities to learners.
The launch was also attended by Cape Agulhas Mayor Paul Swart, the WCED’s Superintendent-General Brent Walters, Chief Director of Districts, Alan Meyer, the Acting Director of the Overberg Education District, Lance Abrahams, and André Lamprecht, who heads the WCED’s Collaboration Schools Unit. Struisbaai’s well-known retired teacher, Katy Hammer, cut the ribbon.
“The opening of this facility is aligned with our province’s commitment to skills education,” Winde said. “This is critical in ensuring all our learners have an opportunity to develop the skills they need to participate meaningfully in our economy.”
The facility is an extension of Struisbaai Primary School and will cater for two new skills subjects, which include civil maintenance and food production. The civil maintenance component will include welding, metalwork, woodwork, plumbing, electrical work, motor mechanics, glasswork, and building, whereas food production will focus on hospitality.
This is a pilot project that can be rolled out in many communities in the province to equip learners with employ-able and economically viable skills. It was made possible through a collaboration with the WCED, totalling R36 million.
Schäfer said: “The people of Struisbaai knew what local businesses and learners needed, and they came to the table because schooling is not just a matter of well-being – it is integral to economic growth and job creation. Schools are the driving engine of our economy, and partnerships like this are the fuel for our learners’ futures.”
Many learners who struggle academically have a great aptitude for practical skills. With the development of appropriate skills, this project opens the door for employment and entrepre-neurial businesses for these learners.
Winde concluded: “This project is a perfect example of what can be achieved through public-private participation. I want to commend the trustees of the Struisbaai SOS Trust and the numerous stakeholders who made this project a reality. You can be very proud of what you have achieved.”
