Four schools in Parys and Koppies within the Fezile Dabi district in the Free State province received infrastructure as part of the District Whole School Development (DWSD) programme. The partnership between KST and the Free State Department of Education (FSDoE) spans over six years with the implementation of the DWSD programme over the past five years in quantile 1-3 primary and secondary schools in the Fezile Dabi and Motheo districts.  The Fezile Dabi district has been the leading district nationally in the National Senior Certificate examinations for two consecutive years attaining 92.3% in 2018 and 90.2% in 2017. 

Rebatla Thuto, Kwakwatsi, Barnard Molokoane and Phehellang are the secondary schools which received infrastructure such as the renovation of libraries, science and computer laboratories with an investment of over R 2 million that will benefit 3274 learners and 118 educators.   The DWSD programme awards programme schools infrastructure based on two categories basic and incentive.

This launch possibly marks MEC Dr PHI Makgoe’s last infrastructure launch as part of the KST partnership as he concludes the end of his term.  “MEC Makgoe’s commitment to the KST partnership, passion and dedication to transform education and provide a conducive teaching and learning environment has brought about significant change to the two districts.  KST would like to thank the MEC for believing in programme when we started the polit in 2014”, said Mankodi Moitse KST Board of Trustees Chairperson.

The DWSD programme as of 2013 to 10 April 2019 has made the following impact in the Fezile Dabi and Motheo districts:

• 240 Project schools
• 251 Schools attended the Empowerment and Transformation workshops 
• 399 673 Learners indirectly impacted by the Empowerment and Transformation workshops
• 137 981 Learners underwent vision screening 
• 5662 Spectacles donated
• 576 Leaners referred for further medical attention
• 334 New school facilities built
• 284 School facilities renovated
• 1575 Temporary jobs created
• 261 SMMEs supported

“I encourage all learners and educators to continue working hard and taking full advantage of opportunities provided to them and for parents to increase their support and be more involved in your children’s education,” said FSDoE MEC Dr PHI Makgoe.