The inaugural Grade 12 cohort of Klapmuts High School received a significant boost on 29 January through a combined Career Expo and Stationery Drive aimed at preparing the “pioneer” class for their final academic hurdle.
Organised by the Shincheonji Volunteers, the event addressed a critical need for career guidance and resources in the Klapmuts community. As the school’s first-ever matric class, the learners were provided with both the physical tools for their studies and the strategic information needed for post-school success.
A milestone for the Klapmuts community
The introduction of a Grade 12 class marks a historic shift for Klapmuts High School. With secondary education nearing completion for the first time in the school’s history, the expo focused on:
- Career Planning: Practical guidance on identifying career pathways.
- Tertiary Education: Information on university options and application processes.
- Skills Development: Resources for vocational training and employment readiness.
Principal Donovan Mackier expressed deep gratitude to the volunteers, noting that these learners are the pioneers who will shape the school’s legacy. “We believe in your potential and the example you will set for all the grades that follow,” the school shared in a statement.
Essential resources for academic success
To support their matric year, learners were issued comprehensive stationery packs. These packs included essential materials such as mathematical sets, files, folders, and exercise books: items often cited as barriers to entry for under-resourced students.
Sivuyile Mbatha from Stellenbosch University, who attended the event, praised the coordination between the community and the volunteer group. “It was deeply meaningful to be part of such a historic moment in Klapmuts,” Mbatha said, adding that the effective collaboration between institutions was key to the event’s success.
Paving the way for future cohorts
The initiative was a collaborative effort, with community volunteers joining forces with the Shincheonji Volunteers to deliver the programme. By improving access to career information and learning resources, the project aims to ensure that the 2026 matric class is not only the first for the school but also its most successful, setting a benchmark for years to come.
