Vryburg High School has once again brought pride to the North West Province as a team of five learners, accompanied by their dedicated educator, represented the school and region at the prestigious Heritage Education Schools Outreach Programme (HESOP) in the Eastern Cape. Held at the Tsitsikamma National Park from 23-27 September 2024, the event brought together top young minds from across South Africa to engage in heritage education, research, and presentations. Vryburg High School’s team emerged as national runners-up, securing second place.

The learners who represented Vryburg High School in this competition were Sibusiso Landman, Katlego Mosimane, Oreneetse Mokgejane, and Magadi Monnakgorong, under the guidance of their educator, Lancherine Tities. For their remarkable performance, the team was awarded Samsung Galaxy tablets, silver medals, and certificates, making their school and region proud.

A Journey of Learning and Heritage

The team’s journey began on Monday, 23 September 2024, as they departed from their hometown to OR Tambo International Airport, where they flew to the Chris Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Port Elizabeth before heading to the Tsitsikamma National Park. This marked the start of a week filled with research, presentations, and exploration.

On Tuesday, 24 September, the learners showcased their hard work by presenting their prepared research papers, which they had been diligently working on in preparation for the event.

Wednesday, 25 September, saw the team take a hike through the beautiful Tsitsikamma mountains, where they gathered information for their unprepared presentation on the iconic Suspension Bridge. The learners then received their research question and set to work writing speeches, utilizing the natural beauty and historical significance of the park as inspiration for their presentations.

The competition culminated on Thursday, 26 September, when the learners presented their findings to the panel of judges and concluded the event with a gala dinner where the winners were announced. Vryburg High School’s second-place finish is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and passion for preserving and promoting South Africa’s heritage.

National Recognition for Heritage Education

HESOP is an annual competition that seeks to educate and empower learners about South Africa’s rich cultural heritage. The programme, which starts at the district level and progresses to the national stage, encourages learners to conduct research, visit heritage sites, and make oral presentations on topics related to heritage management and preservation.

Vryburg High School was one of the 36 schools selected from across the country to participate in this prestigious event. The competition was organized by the National Heritage Council of South Africa (NHC) in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education (DBE), SANParks, and other partners.

A Bright Future for Heritage Education

Vryburg High School’s success at the national competition highlights the importance of heritage education in empowering the next generation to appreciate and preserve South Africa’s cultural legacy. Dr. Thabo Manetsi, CEO of the NHC, emphasized the significance of the programme, saying, “HESOP has been designed not only to advocate for the foregrounding of heritage within the school curriculum but to inculcate a culture of self-appreciation by the future leaders.”

The learners of Vryburg High School have shown exceptional talent and dedication, and their success serves as an inspiration to schools across the region to continue engaging with South Africa’s rich heritage. As Vryburg High School celebrates their achievements, they remind us of the value of understanding and preserving our past to build a brighter future.

With their Samsung Galaxy tablets and silver medals in hand, the learners of Vryburg High School return home with pride, ready to continue their journey in heritage education and inspire their peers. Their success not only showcases the talent within the school but also underscores the importance of heritage education as a tool for building a more inclusive and culturally aware society.

-The VIP Team

-VHS

-NHC

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