Cape Town - Heideveld High School has received praise after implementing an inspiring initiative to support matriculants during their most crucial examination period, starting today.
The school has reintroduced its popular breakfast initiative, receiving praises from the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).
The initiative ensures that each of its 210 grade 12 learners receives a wholesome sit-down breakfast before entering the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exam room.
Marlene Douries, the grade 12 head at the school, spearheaded this year’s initiative, which will run for 21 days.
“It’s hard to comprehend that they sit through an exam for three hours with an empty stomach,” she said.
“Breakfast is proven by health professionals to lift your mood, enhance memory, and improve attention and focus.”
It is not the first time the school has implemented a breakfast programme.
It was successfully introduced in 2021 and continued until 2022.
However, unforeseen circumstances in 2023 prevented its continuation, much to the school’s despair.
This year, Douries said they aim to provide not only physical nourishment but also emotional support to the learners and their families.
“I also wanted the communal set-up to alleviate exam anxiety, to make them realise that their teachers are all supporting them by calming down their fears,” Douries said.
The breakfast initiative has gathered additional momentum due to the school’s commitment to learner well-being.
Douries highlighted the importance of sharing a meal together, which promotes a sense of community and belonging.
“The learners are looking forward to being treated with a breakfast that offers more than just a bowl of porridge.
“I believe that this initiative can improve their results and, in turn, improve the school’s results.
“As teachers, we succeed when our learners succeed,” she said.
Heideveld ward councillor, Elmarie Linda, welcomed the initiative and asked everyone in the community to chip-in wherever they can.
“This means so much to the kids, we know in our community this breakfast will even be the only meal they will have for the entire day.”
Linda said while the challenge of donations always creeps up, she believes with community support anything is possible.
“Right now, the matriculants are the VIP’s of the country, up until the end of the exams, let’s rally behind them.”
Education MEC David Maynier said the department appreciates the initiative which coincides with their National School Nutrition Programme.
“These are the most important examinations of a learner’s school career, and being hungry and tired will affect concentration and energy levels.
“We want all our learners to give their best academic performance, and having a nutritious meal, coupled with a good night’s sleep, is important.”
Anyone who wants to donate can contact the school or councillor Linda on: 082 327 1561.
Cape Argus