ECDOE HOSTED AN ANTI PENS DOWN CAMPAIGN IN GQEBERHA

The Eastern Cape Department of Education in partnership with Loyiso Events Management, successfully hosted an 'anti pens down' campaign in Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay Education District. The campaign aimed to collectively show solidarity against any irresponsible post-examination actions by learners in celebrating the conclusion of examinations. 

The education sector demonstrated its commitment to preserving the future of learners by standing firm in fighting the social ills associated with pens down gatherings that may negatively taint the future of these learners.

Loyiso Events Owner and Chief Operations Officer, Mark Beale expressed the need to conduct the pens down campaign and elaborated on the partnership with EC Education Department. "As the organization, our daily activity is to run a moral regeneration outreach to instill morals and values to our children in schools. We partnered with the Eastern Cape Department of Education to ensure that our kids can distinguish between right and wrong by celebrating these events alcohol and drug-free”.

Beale also emphasized patience as a need for these young kids. “We are committed to delaying their activeness in drugs, alcohol, sexual involvement and fancy lifestyles to preserve their future. They must also remember there is no shortcut to life, the path upstairs is through the steps”, added Beale.

Director for School Health, Safety and Learner Enrichment, Yandisa Plata reaffirmed his position as the custodian of learner safety, drawing reference to Enyobeni incident back in 2023. "The Department made a conscious decision to host a defense drunk event in the Nelson Mandela Bay District to showcase better ways learners can celebrate pens down without compromising their lives and health. This was informed by the nightmare consequences of Enyobeni incident where underage drinking by learners took place”, stated Plata.

The Eastern Cape Department of Education MEC, Fundile Gade emphasised the need for partnerships to curb the scourge affecting the society due to pens down celebrations. "We are calling on communities and parents to work with us in ensuring that the safety of our children is not compromised, as this affects the growth and development of our country. As the community, we also have the responsibility to set an example for these children to emulate in terms of role models by not worshipping alcohol in our gatherings”, said Gade.