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Article by Cheera-Dee Robinson
It being the first Provincial Summit of its kind that took place at the East London Institute on the 2nd and 3rd November 2008, where Teacher Liaison Officers (TLOs) and Representative Council of Learners (RCLs) from all districts, gathered to discuss problems they are faced with and came up with clever solutions.
Youth Commissioner Sinethemba Mashalaba addressed the students with great words of wisdom, motivating them and advising them “As leaders of tomorrow you need to expand your knowledge on safety, we are urging you to stay away from drugs; it will affect your development, just say no to drugs.” He carried on by encouraging the students to come up with good ideas, to carry their skills even further by trying to make their communities a better place.
A RCL member from Dilizintaba Senior Secondary School, Sabelo Taza said that the workshop had improved his knowledge on how to become a better leader and he could apply this knowledge easily at school. “I will not only keep all the good leadership qualities that I have learn’t to myself, but share it with my fellow students, and in this way I can try and make my school an even better place.”
Learners, teachers and officials from the Eastern Cape Education Department were divided into groups, mixing all districts. They had to come up with new fresh ideas on programmes that could assist and develop learner leaders.
Some of their ideas were:
- have a leadership camp at the end of the year, after exams but before the break away for holidays, where incoming RCL members can be taught leadership skills.
- RCL members need to be trained on Policy Guide Lines, The Constitution and The Code of Conduct etc so that they in turn can come up with their own constitution on a school level.
- have a Learner Parliament, where problems can be discussed and solutions can be made.
Many good advantages came with the Learner Parliament e.g.
- Learners will become more confident.
- Their communication skills will improve.
- Debating and negotiating skills will be refined.
- Acceptance of different religions, cultures, race etc
Learners were very excited and motivated, however “Leaders must not forget that they at school firstly to be taught and to learn, and must not get carried away by the leadership role,” said one of the government officials.
“It is important for RCLs to leave a legacy for learners that adapt and follow, not only to make a difference in our schools, but in our country.”
Article Tags: provincial summit
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