Expo raises education standard

About 500 people gathered at the Resource, Equipping and Training (RET) Centre in Fourie Street for the first-ever Mokopane Education Expo. The Expo, organised by Mokopane Destiny Academy (MDA), included an exhibition, free workshops and entertainment for parents and educators.“We are passionate about education and the future of Mokopane’s youth,” says education specialist Elaine Jansen van Rensburg. “We wanted to create a platform that would benefit the entire town and we succeeded!”

Visitors were impressed by the standard of education specialists who presented talks on various topics including early childhood development, media literacy, digital advances in reading and cognitive development.

A jumping castle, face paint and horse rides kept the childen busy. “We tried to cater for everyone as the day was really about parents and teachers, from all over Mokopane, accessing as much information as possible,” says Jansen van Rensburg. “We determined that there is a real need to host industry experts and have decided to host another expo in 2019.”

“I enjoyed the sessions very much,” said visitor Michelle Buitendag. “Teachers of all surrounding schools should attend next time!”

Another visitor, Helena Kockott, added that the day was informative and interesting.

Exhibitors had positive reviews after the show. Lectorsa offered free reading evaluations at the expo. Says sales manager Daleen Janse van Rensburg: “We met some interesting people and were impressed with the learners who stopped by our stand. We need to empower these children.”

While parents and educators met with the exhibitors to find educational solutions for their children, various sport clubs demonstrated their skills. The Tokon Shotokan Karate club, Marshall Gymnastics Academy, Eresabel Fencing club and Brave Wrestling club delivered excellent performances. The Mokopane Primary drum majorettes also showed off their moves.

Mogalakwena Complex also exhibited and offered information about Anglo American Platinum’s bursaries and learnerships. Human resources development officer for people development Coslina Mokoka said that education exhibitions and career days are important, because learners need to see adults who are doing well in various careers. “When these learners succeed, they come back and inspire others.”

MDA would like to thank the RET Centre for making its grounds available for the expo. “We need to come together as a community to benefit everyone,” says Jansen van Rensburg. “Our children is what the future is all about!”