Gallery Video
GEORGE NEWS & VIDEOS - The importance of education came under the spotlight at an event held at the Parkdene High School on Tuesday 18 January.
It was attended by various dignitaries, including Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes; Vietnam's ambassador to South Africa Loi Hoang; Korea's ambassador to South Africa Chull-Joo Park; George Mayor Leon van Wyk; and George Deputy Mayor Raybin Figland.
Teachers, learners and members of the George city council also attended the meeting and, as schools had not started yet, learners came especially for the event.
The visit formed part of Government's District Development Model and Back-to-School campaigns.
Hoang handed face masks to the school while Park donated tumblers and hand fans. Botes also handed power banks to the school to be used by the matriculants. The national anthems of Vietnam, Korea and South Africa were played.
Botes said when President Cyril Ramaphosa travels in Africa and the world, he makes sure to advance the cause of South Africa's people. South Africa is and African state and the well-being of the South African people is intertwined with the well-being of other African states.
Photo gallery: Deputy Minister Alvin Botes visits Parkdene High School
South Africa is a far cry from the 6% economic growth that was achieved in the early period of the democratic dispensation. Unemployment stands at just under 35%. We must ensure that the economy grows and to grow it to 6%, South Africa needs to trade and do more business with African states.
If unemployment remains at the present level it is a recipe for disaster. Pupils who matriculate will become part of the unemployed - even if they are educated. If they don't make proper study choices they will be educated but jobless.
Botes told George Herald that education is pivotal. Without a skilled workforce and skilled people the economy cannot grow.
He encouraged matriculants and parents to put shoulder to the wheel and support learners as well as teachers.
Video: Education is important
Video: SA anthem
Loi Hoang said this was his first visit to George. He thanked the people for a warm reception and hoped that there will be more. He would like to promote trade between the two countries. Hoang expressed hope that in 2022 there will be recovery for the economy and education.
Park said he was grateful to attend the event. Korea is one of the world's economic powerhouses and, despite the Covid pandemic and lockdown, it has retained its position as the world's seventh largest exporter.
From one of the poorest countries in the 1950s, Korea has transformed itself into an economically influential nation. According to Park education is one of the most powerful driving forces in Korea's success.
Derick Petersen, headmaster of the school, thanked all the role players and stakeholders for their help. He said it is a hard time to be in government.
Video: Vietnam national anthem
Video: Korea national anthem
Pupils of Parkdene High just before the start of the event show their enthusiasm.
Some of the dignitaries standing at attention while the national anthems are sung. From left are Korea's ambassador to South Africa Chull-Joo Park; Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes; Vietnam's ambassador to South Africa Loi Hoang; and George Mayor Leon van Wyk. Photos: Eugene Gunning
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
