Minister Meyer Visits two Mitchells Plain MOD Centres | Western Cape Government

News

News

Minister Meyer Visits two Mitchells Plain MOD Centres

29 January 2014

The Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Ivan Meyer visited MOD Centres at Wavecrest Primary School and Cedar High School in Rocklands on 27 January 2014. The acronym MOD stands for “Mass participation; Opportunity and access; Development and growth”. The aim of the visit was to promote MOD Centres and encourage more learners to attend the free after-school programmes offered at these schools.

“The Western Cape Government has provided learners with access to an after-school sport and cultural programme. Learners must now do the responsible thing and participate. In 2014 we are promoting a healthy lifestyle in the Western Cape and where better to start than at our schools,” said Dr Meyer.

The MOD Programme has grown to 181 centres across the province since its humble beginnings in the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) in 2010. Programme head Paul Hendricks said: “The Minister has led this programme from the front. As a result, it has grown very quickly in a very short period of time and seen great successes. We still have much to do but the foundation for a better tomorrow is definitely being laid.”

The programme is the Western Cape Government’s response to the need for sport and recreation activities, including dance and drama, in underserved schools in the province. It provides a safe space after school for young people five days a week, Monday to Friday. The primary aim is to help young people avoid social ills by providing them with constructive ways of spending their free time.

Tevya Roberts, 10, has attended the dance programme at the Wavecrest Primary MOD Centre since it started in 2013. She said: “I’ve learned a lot in the year that I’ve been dancing. It’s very exciting and I enjoy myself at every practice”.

Wavecrest Principal Vernon Africa said that learners, teachers and coaches felt encouraged by Minister Meyer’s visit. “It’s good to see that the people that are in charge take the time out of their busy schedules to take an interest in the things happening on the ground level.”

The performance of MOD Centres is constantly being evaluated to keep improving the service to the learners of the province. By offering young people a safe environment after school in which they can develop their skills and interests, the DCAS MOD Programme is helping to make the people of the Western Cape better together.

Media Enquiries: 

Daniel Johnson
Spokesperson for Minister Meyer
Tel: 021 483 3261
E-mail: daniel.johnson@westerncape.gov.za