MAHIKENG MAIL – MAHIKENG: The North West Department of Education was once again in the spotlight at the 2024/25 National Schools Nutrition Programme (NSNP) Best Schools and Districts Awards held on Friday, 6 December, at Modjadji Primary School in Ga-Selwane Village, Phalaborwa, Limpopo.
Launched in 2009/10 to honour excellence, innovation, and the commitment of districts and schools in effectively implementing the NSNP programme in the country, the North West province obtained three awards out of the five categories it was nominated in, as follows: Uitschot Primary School from Ottosdal farms obtained the second position in Best Performing Farm School in NSNP Best Practice awards and walked away with the prize money of R40 000. Tholo Primary School in Uitkyk near Madikwe obtained the second position in the category of Grade 5 Land Scape Milk Parlour and received a certificate and laminator.
A learner from the school received a uniform voucher worth R1 000. Tshwara-O- Dire Primary from Mogwase received a certificate and a learner from the same school received a school uniform voucher worth R500.
Bojanala District was a finalist in the Best Performing District category and walked away with a certificate while Onkabetse Thuto Secondary School in Setlagole Village was a finalist in the category for Best Performing NSNP Best Practice in the country and received a certificate.
This recognition highlights the department’s outstanding efforts in promoting the well-being of learners through the NSNP which plays a crucial role in ensuring that learners receive nutritious meals to support their academic performance and overall health. MEC for Education in the North West, Viola Motsumi congratulated all the top achievers and finalists, as well as the rest of the school community that contributed towards this success. “On behalf of the Department, I wish to congratulate all the winners, and to the finalists, I urge you not to despair. I am truly proud of the entire team that represented us in Limpopo province. In particular, I am thankful to the food handlers, volunteers, School Governing Bodies and the entire education team behind every child fed, and towards this success.
“It has now become a norm that whenever the province competes nationally, we can confidently expect excellent results,” added Motsumi.
Motsumi stressed that these prestigious awards reflect the department’s ongoing dedication to providing healthy and nutritious meals to learners, which is integral to their academic performance.
“These top awards are a clear indication that as a Department, we take serious precautions when it comes to the food of learners at school. We know that when learners eat a healthy meal, they are bound to perform well in their studies,” Motsumi further expressed.
This recognition not only celebrates the hard work of the department, but also underscores the importance of holistic learner development, combining nutrition with educational excellence.
