Fun Day At The Aberdeen Bowl’s Club

On Tuesday 16th June a ‘Fun Day’ was held at the Aberdeen Bowl’s Club for anyone wanting to donate R20 for a very good lunch. The local professionals played with first-time bowlers in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, which has resulted in quite a few new players who will be joining the Club.

Despite the four different weather seasons experienced during the morning’s play, everyone enjoyed themselves.

Article By: Joan Tinker

A.B.E.T. Learners Write Level 4 Certificate

On Wednesday afternoon Linda Plaatjies 29 (left) and Daisy Van Crent 35 (right) prepared to write their final examinations for a Level 4 Certificate. Both Linda and Daisy have studied for Grade 11 and 12 through the Adult Basic Education Training (A.B.E.T.) programme. Their studies encompassed 8 subjects which they completed over 2 years.
Teaching instruction is given by local teachers to the A.B.E.T. students in the afternoons from 2pm to 4pm.
The local teachers and community work together with the Principals of the Kamdebo Primary School and the Luxolo Intermediate School to assist A.B.E.T.
Their aim is to introduce a higher level of education to those learners who have not completed their schooling, and a necessary level of education to those people who have not had the fortunate experience of ever attending school.
These dedicated teachers go into the communities and search for people who need a level of skills in order to find work, and introduce them to the possibilities of further studies to achieve this.
A.B.E.T. also concentrates on teaching people to read and write.The response A.B.E.T. is receiving from the local communities is good, and they are hoping to introduce different courses soon, and to achieve the status of having an ‘A.B.E.T. Centre’ in Aberdeen, instead of just being a satellite branch.

Article By: Joan Tinker

Aberdeen's Conquering Lions Fight Back Bravely

Last Sunday saw the Thembalesizwe Sports Grounds abuzz with excitement as local football team, Conquering Lions played host to two visiting football clubs, Seven Leaves and Pystor Football Club.
While both visiting teams compete in the A Division of the Mass Participation Programme (MPP) Fun League, our very own Lions represent Aberdeen in both the U17 age group and the A Division, where they compete against teams of mostly adults.
The Conquering Lions did Aberdeen proud by drawing 2-2 against Seven Leaves and losing only 2-3 against Pystor FC.
Having come into existence in 2008, under the auspices of the Department of Sports and Recreations Siyadlala Mass Participation Programme, the under 17 and under 13 teams are showing immense promise.
The Siyadlala MPP is a community-based sports developmental programme aimed at "the development of sport in communities" and "the development of communities through sport".
The Programme does not provide any funding, but does assist with sporting equipment, where possible, as well as promotional materials and catering for large sports events.
Head Coach, Masterboy Blaai, is also the co-ordinator for the programme for the Aberdeen Hub.

Article By Way Of: Masterboy Blaai

Saturday Scrappers in Aberdeen

Anyone passing the Bookshop in Aberdeen on a Saturday afternoon cannot be blamed for thinking that a party is in full swing! Firstly, the shop is open (unique in Aberdeen on a Saturday afternoon?), and secondly, inside there is a group of ladies intent on creating masterpieces of memories and having a great social afternoon. Gales of laughter greet the passing tourist or resident who ventures in to browse through the books or inspect the craft section, and if they time it right, they are likely to be offered coffee and cake.... as long as they admire the day's handiwork!

Each week there is a different theme or technique shown, and the ladies tackle each new idea with great enthusiasm. Scrapbook pages have really captured the ladies' imagination. This brings to life special photos by mounting them on a variety of stunning background papers, and decorating the pages with items as diverse as punched-out flowers and pewter dog bowls! Most of the techniques can also be used in card-making, and some fabulously original cards have been made by members of the group. September has already been diarised for making Christmas cards! Hallmark, eat your heart out!

Lessons are held during the week for all levels of ability, from complete beginners to those with some experience. To find out more, contact Sue at the Bookshop on 083 794 2262.

Article By: Sue Shaw

Peaceful High School Pupils’ Demonstration

Article Updated

Aberdeen Secondary School pupils demonstrated in Aberdeen Town this week over the right to have the subject “Life Science” taught to them in their mother tongue Afrikaans. A newly appointed English speaking teacher had been chosen to replace their existing teacher, and as the pupils had not been given a valid reason for this change or for the reason why they should not be taught in their home language, they were extremely unhappy about the circumstances, although the average mark attained was well below a pass.
This situation arose as a vacant post was advertised within the Provincial Department of Education, with a view to employing a teacher with the correct qualifications, also with a view to bringing a measure of discipline into the school, and as a future support for the Principal of the school in the form of a Deputy Principal.
The Director of Education for the Graaff-Reinet Districts Mr Kane, who has achieved a “No1 School Status” in the Eastern Cape, had realized that Aberdeen Secondary School has been grossly under achieving in terms of their results and in discipline. He therefore took a holistic view of the situation and made a decision not on subject matter only (Life Science) in which a dire need for improvement was evident, but on all aspects. He therefore made the decision to override the Governing School Body’s recommendation according to the School’s Act, and appoint a more suitable candidate who could fulfill all aspects of the position.
As politics is never far from the surface of any happenings in a small town, the Principal of Aberdeen Secondary School Mr Kamfer, invited the leaders of all the political parties and their committee members to attend and assist, together with the Governing Body of the School, the Department of Education, the Aberdeen Police Commander, SADTU and parents of the children.
On Friday 15th appreciating how volatile the situation could become, police reinforcements were sent from Graaff-Reinet, but by 1pm the “back-up” police contingent had left Aberdeen and the local police community office reported no incidents. At a 3 hour meeting on Thursday14th decisions were made, however the school community remain dissatisfied with the situation and accordingly Mr Kani has undertaken to meet with the parents of the school during the forthcoming week to discuss the issues further. Those present at the meeting on Thursday have resolved to be available in playing a supportive role in the following week until all issues have been resolved.

Article By: Joan Tinker