Premier Ndlovu Marks Mandela Day with Commitment to Tackle Poverty
July 31, 2024
By Thabiso Nkuna
On 29 July 2024, the English Premier League, the British Council, and MultiChoice’s SuperSport’s Let’s Play programme celebrated the impactful conclusion of a physical education enrichment initiative in Mpumalanga. This program equipped primary school teachers with world-class coaching skills, empowering them to lead transformative sports projects within their communities.
Hosted at Boikhutso Primary School in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, the training utilised the innovative Premier Skills methodology, tailored specifically for physical education life-skills teachers and sports assistants. This initiative is designed to elevate the standard of physical education across the province, endorsed by both the South African Council of Educators (SACE) and the Department of Basic Education.
The training aimed to enhance teachers’ capabilities to deliver engaging and dynamic physical education and life orientation lessons. Its primary goals were to increase student participation, enjoyment, and skill development in sports activities, thereby fostering a healthier, more active lifestyle among primary school learners.
During the three-day event, teachers participated in a series of workshops and practical coaching sessions, gaining access to interactive learning resources and physical education activities. These were crafted to harness the motivational power of football, inspiring children to stay active and develop crucial life skills. A significant focus was placed on planning safe, purposeful, and inclusive sessions that cater to the unique needs of their learners and optimally use community resources.
The program also highlighted the crucial role of student involvement in evaluating physical education sessions, promoting an interactive and engaging learning environment. This participatory approach encouraged active student involvement and feedback, which is essential in enriching the educational experience.
Reflecting on earlier successes, the initiative reached an important milestone earlier in the year with a fruitful training session at Nomfihlela Primary School in KwaZulu-Natal. Since its inception in 2007, Premier Skills has trained over 32,000 coaches and referees across 29 countries, impacting the lives of approximately 1.7 million young people. The sustained achievements at Nomfihlela and Boikhutso Primary Schools highlight the program’s enduring impact, showcasing its ability to empower educators and enrich communities both locally and worldwide.