“Education lays the foundation for a successful career.”
Alderman Ray van Rooy, Executive Mayor of Bergrivier Municipality, told youngsters at the annual Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Development Expo (LoTYDE) open day that education also lays the foundation for a better life too.
“By securing a good education for yourself, you are essentially planning for your future. This is one of the best ways to rise above your circumstances, contribute meaningfully in your community and in some instances, liberate yourself from the shackles of poverty,” he said.
Around 500 Grade 11 and 12 learners from Piketberg, Porterville, Steynville and Velddrif High Schools attended the annual Open Day in Piketberg on Friday, 26 July 2019. At the Open Day learners could find out more about their desired career path and bursary opportunities.
LoTYDE, which was established in 2015, refers to the low tide of the ocean (quiet time) which is present before the high tide sets in. It’s symbolic to the fact that school is a training ground which prepares learners to make a success of their lives when they enter the “real world”.
Van Rooy said LoTYDE was created to assist and support learners with the fundamental decisions pertaining to their future careers.
“Unfortunately, the absence of tertiary facilities in rural areas combined with logistical challenges makes it extremely difficult for most learners to further their studies,” he explained.
Local music sensation Youngsta CPT and Ashley Pienaar, master of ceremonies, entertained the learners.
Lucky draws were held with grande prizes while every learner also left with a goody bag.
There were stalls from the various higher institutions of learning, departments and businesses at the event.
Bergrivier Municipality conveys its gratitude and appreciation to all the stakeholders and stall-holders, who contributed to the success of LoTYDE 2019.
