One hundred and fifty learners from 12 Education Districts recently attended an interactive workshop camp aimed at instilling discipline and hope amongst learners and teachers in schools.

According to the Schools Health, Safety and Learner Enrichment Chief Education Specialist Mfuneko Dangazela, the collaboration between EC Education and Go Big Community Development, South African Police Services, Nelson Mandela Metro Police and South African National Defence Force is making huge strides in changing the discipline and behavior of learners through the marching drill program. "The Department saw it necessary to be part of the programme because of its main objective to promote, instill discipline and pride in uniform amongst learners. Behavioral problems being a huge challenge in our schools where learners are getting out of hand most of the times this initiative will help a lot”.

The camp which was facilitated by Go Big Community Development Coordinator, Ziyad Agherdien covered the following:

* Theory (Competition rulebook, Judging Criteria, Competition Day, Sportsmanship and Discipline)

* Practical: (Coaches/ Team Managers course, Drumming course, Marching tutorials demonstrations, Marching Drill Instructions/Commands)

Agherdien thanked and appreciated the Department for its continuous support throughout. “We really appreciate the support and hope that we will continue working together to improve the behaviour of our learners for the better “said Agherdien.

"Marching drill practical tutorials gave learners a real feel of the sport of marching drill, without the dedication from Departments this would not be possible" concluded Nelson Mandela Metro Police, Sgt Ntsikelelo Konono

Learners commited themselves and pledges to with work with the Department on community awareness programmes. Lovedale Primary School, Grade 7 learner, Siyabulela Balfour (13) said " 2 days was very short but we have learned a lot, on behalf of the EC Provincial learners we would like to say a huge thanks to everyone who was involve on making this programme a success, most specially to the Local Organizing Committee members for giving us a warm welcome and made us to be comfortable as possoble".