Two groups of learners from Retreat earned up to R10 000 for their schools, resulting in their schools being named among the top five presenting their ideas to the Prescient Leadership Summit this year.
The two Retreat schools that walked away with prizes were Lourier Primary School and Zwaanswyk Academy (joint third place). Up to 21 schools across the Western Cape took part in the Improve My School Challenge, held at the Cape Academy of Maths, Science and Technology on Saturday 21 June.
For the event, held in celebration of Youth Month, learners’ brief was to brainstorm ideas and submit innovative proposals aimed at transforming their school environment.
A total of 21 entries were received and judged not just on creativity, but on sustainability and long-term impact, ideas that could truly make a difference in school communities.
Lourier Primary School’s Grade 7 learners with their prize. They are: Phylis Nkhoma, Nokutenda Chindanya, Tinashe Ncube, Blessing Mabhanda, Faith Unyolo and Gloria Mphuka. Back: Je-Deny Cacupa. Photos: supplied. 
Zwaanswyk Academy’s Grade 7 learners who presented their ideas standing with their prize. They are: Zachary Bull, Imange Tafeni, Jessie Gamaldien, Kelvin Kalala, Imtiyaaz Marcus, Alex Christians, Nahum Canny
The winning proposal came from Linge Primary School in Nyanga.
Judges described it as a thoughtful plan to enhance the classroom experience. Learners proposed the purchase of new whiteboards, additional stationery supplies for under-resourced learners, and improved lighting in classrooms.
The school received R20 000 in funding to bring the proposal to life.
Lourier Primary aimed to rehabilitate the school’s sports field and purchase new sports and recreational equipment to promote physical activity and holistic learner development.
Its project report said the school’s sports field was in a poor condition, with uneven terrain, holes and scattered stones, making it unsafe for students to participate in sports activities.
The projected cost to repair the sports field went up to R10 000.
The proposal also outlined future ambitions to improve the school’s science lab and establish a career-guidance club.
People’s Post spoke with Tinashe Ncube, in Grade 7, who was one of the team members and presenters that led their project.
“As an athlete I frequently used the school’s field for training and recognised the need for its improvement. I served as the presenter of the proposal and contributed to creating a song to support the initiative.”
She hoped to become a doctor in future.
Lourier school’s principal, Janice Brown, said: “We as the staff are super-proud of all their achievements and especially if they take on such a venture as they did. Well done to our learners for winning the third prize, as their efforts are truly original.”
Zwaanswyk Academy proposed a schoolwide recycling and upcycling campaign, with colour-coded bins, awareness drives and upcycling workshops to instil environmental responsibility while sustaining their Eco Club.
The school also planned to educate the school community through posters, assemblies and awareness drives about sorting and recycling waste.
Its other projects included a therapeutic vegetable garden and science lab upgrades.
School principal Anthony Adams said: “Zwaanswyk Academy presented a proposal on how to run a recycling campaign. We are very proud of our leaders and look forward to seeing the proposal take flight.”
