It was a stunning bright sunny summer Saturday of 7 December 2024 as the learners and their parents gathered and filled the Cornerstone church auditorium in Wilgespruit, Roodepoort, a stone’s throw from the school premises adjacent to the Westgate mall. Lambano Academy a Christian based school hosted another successful event that showcased the lower grades meritorious awards through to the senior classes under the tutelage of the well decorated Principal and school founder, Noluthando Nyandeni and her formidable teaching staff. Lambano means taking and possessing by force! Education, discipline, you take it! She affirmed.
With a sizzling deco and a welcoming ambience, the primary grade exuded high energy as they began to confidently recite the school’s moto, ‘Zaidi ya washindi’ which is to say ‘more than conquerors’ in Swahili. In welcoming the guests, the principal warmly proclaimed that all children are a blessing. Having taught some of the parents in attendance, she also related that the young learners see her as the granny albeit she’s also a Pastor. “Children learn all aspects in life, the good the bad and the ugly, reflecting type of families they come from.” Mentioned ma’am Noluthando. Have a listening ear to your children, without reprimanding, allow the little ones to move around inside venue.
During assembly, children are conscientised to acknowledge the sacrifices made by their parents to keep them at school, incurring costs it’s never easy, a she welcomed the Programme Director and educator, Thando Mkhize. All the grades produced stunning poetry, song and choreography performances, but the highlight was the motivational speech by matric student Sharon Mokoena, who mentioned. “Don’t lose yourself in the crowd, because you’re running your own race! Every parent wishes that their children become successful. It takes sacrifices to achieve goals, anticipate risks, prioritise to make it. Nothing in life is worthwhile unless you take risks. Fail forward! Every failed experiment is one step closer to success. You will fail at some point in your life, accept it! You’ll lose, embarrass yourself, you will suck at something, but never be discouraged or look back, give everything you’ve got and when you fall throughout life, fall forwards. I’d like to urge me fellow learners that if plan A’ fails it doesn’t have to end with plan B’, there are 24 letters in the alphabets remaining!”
Her counterpart Lebo Moagi could not be outsmarted as she enthused, “Awards day isn’t just about handing out trophies and certificates, but a moment to reflect on the values of perseverance, determination and excellence that define our school community. A day to recognise your dedication, whether excelling in academics, sport, the arts or leadership. The ability to rise above challenges! To those walking away with awards, remember that success is a journey not a destination. To teachers and parents, your guidance and unwavering support has been instrumental in shaping these young minds including mine. Thank you for your tireless dedication and love. Every accolade comes with the responsibility to inspire others, to remain humble and use our gifts to make the world a better place. Together we make our school not just a place of learning but a home of inspiration and dreams realised! Keep dreaming and achievieng, mcwaa!” Concluded Moagi.
In the same high spirits Ma’am Nyandeni lead her grade 2 class to the regular declaration high pitch chant with learners following; “I am a success! Amaaandla! Aweeethu! I am proudly African! I’m full of power! I am what the Word of God says I am! I can do and have what the Word of God says! I am a success! I walk in victory! I’m full of wisdom! I cannot fail! I refuse to fail! Failure cannot resonate with me! Failure means NO! “The affirmations refute the assumed calling of children stupid by their guardians. They have told you who they are, and they retain it.” Stated Principal Nyandeni.
The awards ceremony was emotive as much as jubilant, with some of the learners overwhelmed by emotions while taking that all important memorable snap-shot. The conspicuous tears of joy! Of note was also the traditional senior boys’ baritone victory chant with intense clapping and agile stomping. And another stunning feature was the well decorated Grade R photo-booth. A taste of glamour! Bravo to the school’s yet another year’s successful graduation and awards celebration day embraced with layers of scriptural connotations, praise and worship amid countless claps and ululations from the well entertained audience in full capacity!
Enrolment 2025 Grade RR to 12
Tel: 011 760 9408 / 083 308 7638
Email: info@lambanoacademy.com
Jerry Sokhupe
Soweto Sunrise News
