Spirits were high at President Mangope Technical High in Rustenburg on Saturday, 24 April, where Rainbow, South Africa’s largest processor and marketer of chicken, officially launched its Star Schools Programme in the North West Province.

“We are very pleased that our Star Schools programme, already in its fourth year, now includes Rustenburg. The programme began in Hammarsdale in KZN and was launched in Worcester in the Cape last year,” says Warren Farrer, Corporate Communications Manager for Rainbow.

Approximately 100 learners selected from eight local schools, together with their parents and teachers, attended the Rainbow Star Schools launch. Also present were representatives from the North West Education Department in Rustenburg, who applauded Rainbow’s generosity and commitment to education.

“Learners selected for our Star Schools programme were carefully chosen from Boikagong Secondary; Meriti High School; Boitekong Secondary; Freedompark Secondary; H.F Tlou High; President Mangope Technical High; Rauwane Sepeng High; Tlhabane Technical; and Commercial High School. Those who demonstrated enthusiasm and determination towards academic progress made the final list of candidates, and will no doubt benefit from our programme,” says Farrer.

The acclaimed Rainbow Star Schools initiative was launched in 2007, and has seen over 250 learners pass through the programme to date. The positive impact that the programme has had on Rainbow Star Schools’ learners is evident by the excellent results they have achieved in both the 2008 and 2009 National Senior Certificate examinations.

“Learners will receive extra tuition in maths; science; and English during weekends and school holidays, which will allow them the opportunity to focus on these subjects with a teacher to help with any problems. We have observed the positive effect the programme has had on past learners, and are pleased that we can continue to assist. Every child has the right to dream about a brighter future, without their financial circumstances impacting on those dreams,” adds Farrer.

The launch ended on a high note when Farrer announced that learners from the Star Schools Programme would each receive a 10kg pack of Rainbow Chicken at the end of each term.