A Glorious Day at OJ Erasmus Prize-Giving Ceremony. Uniting Voices and Celebrating Achievements Amidst Challenges.
Today, Heike and I had the honor of attending the OJ Erasmus 2023 prize-giving ceremony. Thanks to the generous support of the Local Pinkster Church, a modest hall became the stage for a presentation of monumental importance. Despite its size, it served as a testament to the dedication and resourcefulness of the Governing Body and School Staff.
With meager funds and unwavering support, they orchestrated an event marked by aplomb, poise, and a touch of style. The projector, though not as vivid as desired, showcased the tremendous effort and preparation invested in the ceremony—a labor of love appreciated by those who understand the challenges.
Every child was treated not just with respect but with genuine love. Educating 30 to 40 children per classroom, each with diverse skills and capacities, requires a smile, joy, and a touch of magic. The teachers stood with pride and passion, creating a palpable connection with the students as they received their prizes, certificates, and trophies.
The journey began with the tiniest graduates, the Grade R students, each adorned in gowns and those charming square hats. Some had lipstick smudged, others wore expressions of confusion, but all wore enormous smiles as they recited poems to rapturous applause.
Then we were treated with a soul-stirring performance by the school choir, setting a perfect tone for the event. Every note and harmonious chord resonated, creating an atmosphere of unity and celebration. It was a testament to the school’s commitment to fostering not just academic but artistic excellence.
Moving through each grade, a clear pattern emerged—a reflection of the broader educational landscape with fewer boys in the higher echelons of academic achievement. The sports prizes highlighted another remarkable achievement. Despite lacking proper sports fields, OJ Erasmus athletes excelled in athletics, rugby, and netball at the Swartland level.
The cheers and excitement as students’ names were called echoed the extraordinary dedication of a passionate team of teachers working on a passion project, far beyond the call of duty. It left me wondering what I would have done as either an educator or a student in their position.
If I were a political activist, I might call it criminal what Mr. Goodman and his educators are asked to do. There is no amount of support, local or global, that could be deemed too much. Often, it’s the little things that make a huge impact, but the staff, stretched thin, struggle even with those.
The visible strain on their faces is not sadness; it’s the desire to do more for the kids, hindered by the limitations they face. You can’t help but be moved by the extra miles they walk for the love of the children.
This story isn’t just about a day that brought me close to tears for two hours, for reasons both opposite and yet so intimately connected. It’s about the immense pride, humility, and passion that this dedicated crew poured into something magnificent for the kids.
It’s also about the challenges they faced, the miracles required, and how they were delivered through the hard work and faith of a remarkable group of people—from Mr. Crimley and the governing body to Mr. Goodman and his working body.
I can’t express enough praise for this group, this school, and the hope it holds for the community. Now, it’s our time to help. If you want to support but aren’t sure how, reach out to us. Together, let’s empower the educators to educate while we, as a community, provide the assistance they need to carry out their task with the same passion and perfection displayed at OJ Erasmus.