The agricultural sector is a significant part of South Africa’s economy. Agricultural schools contribute to this by training individuals who can start their own farming enterprises or improve existing ones, thereby boosting economic growth.
The North West department of education announced the official conversion of Maano Secondary School in Masutlhe II village to an agricultural focus school.
According to the department, Maano Secondary School, previously a public ordinary school, was selected as one of seven agricultural schools in the area to have a focus on agriculture to equip learners with the skills and knowledge they need to participate in the agricultural economy and develop a love for farming.
Agricultural education
Acting premier Nono Maloyi said North West was an agrarian province and therefore it was important that as many schools as possible be involved in agriculture through the subjects they do.
“The establishment of agricultural schools is crucial to enforce these skills and love for agriculture amongst our learners. This will ensure a brighter future not only for our learners but for the entire province’s agricultural sector,” he said.
Maloyi announced that Maano received a R2.5 million from the maths, science, and technology conditional grant to establish its agricultural production lines.
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The school currently features crop production, poultry production (including broilers, layers, free-range chickens, and egg housing), goat production, and plant production, including an orchard.
The conversion of Maano Secondary School coincides with the distribution of National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) utensils to the school.
“The North West department of education remains committed to providing its learners with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. By fostering a love for agriculture and equipping students with the necessary skills,” the department said in a statement.
Additionally, schools in the Ngaka Modiri Molema district benefitting from the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) include Kebonang Secondary School, Kgosi Kebalepile Secondary School, St. Mary’s Special School, and Motheo Thuto Secondary School.
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