Local learners get the chance to visit Maropeng

Every year Maropeng partners with the Cradle of Humankind Management Authority to give learners from schools in the area the opportunity to visit the Sterkfontein Caves. This year 100 learners from 10 different schools enjoyed a fun day out at Maropeng.

Magel van de Venter, Maropeng’s Education Marketing Executive, says that learners who have worked hard and achieved are rewarded with the outing. “The 100 best-performing learners from each chosen school are selected, giving them the means to visit the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, which they would not ordinarily be able to do.”

The partnership came about three years ago after the Cradle of Humankind Management Authority identified a number of local schools that did not have the financial means to visit Maropeng.

Magic Dlomo, from the Management Authority’s public participation and community projects unit, says it wanted to commit to a cause that was within the scope of Unesco’s mandate. “We asked ourselves how we could add value within the local rural communities,” he says. “Many people in the local communities can’t afford access to Maropeng and Sterkfontein, so we decided to try to change that by starting with the schools.”

This year it was Grade 10 learners who were given the opportunity to visit Maropeng. “Grade 10 is the year that learners first choose their own subjects and a visit to Maropeng allows learners to see and experience the syllabus first-hand.”

Dlomo says that the visits also serve to demonstrate the various career opportunities available within the tourism industry. “The kids have the opportunity to talk to all the staff on site, from the chefs and receptionists to the tour guides, which gives them added insight into a possible future career in tourism.”

As an extra treat the learners are given a “goodie bag” containing a Maropeng T-shirt and some refreshments adding to a very memorable outing.