GEORGE NEWS - A dynamic team of speakers are geared to empower and inspire school teachers during an empowerment weekend in Wilderness.
The educational psychologist Dr Carla Bezuidenhout, experienced former headmaster Johan Bezuidenhout, the CEO of Stadio, Prof Patrick Bean and the international sports star Zola Budd Pieterse are among the speakers at Eco-Onnie.
This symposium is presented by Laerskool George-Suid (LGS) in collaboration with the higher education institution Stadio at the Wilderness Hotel on 11 and 12 October. The theme of the event is growth: growth as a person, as a teacher and in every aspect that education can offer.
"We all know what the challenges are for teachers. This weekend will give every teacher new wind in their sails, a jump in their step," said LGS principal and chairperson of the SAOU in the Western Cape, Sas du Plessis. "We want to motivate teachers to be the difference in their community. Teachers are the anchor of every school and it spills into the community."
About the speakers
Other speakers include a specialist in the field of artificial intelligence in the teaching and learning processes, Warwick von Hagen, and Herman Pienaar, co-owner of the private Facebook group Georgiete Staan Saam.
Dr Carla Bezuidenhout has been practising within the school context for the past 12 years and is well acquainted with the challenges that schools experience. She completed her PhD in 2018 on resilience, with divorce as a risk factor.
Dr Carla Bezuidenhout
Johan Bezuidenhout worked in education for 43 years, as a teacher, head of department and later deputy head and head of several schools. He also coached Cravenweek rugby. His book, Uitnemende Onderwys - Wees 'n Verskilmaker, was published in 2022.
Johan Bezuidenhout
Warwick von Hagen previously served as a lecturer at Stadio where he focused on end-user computing for first-year students and taught the methodology of computer application technology. He currently specialises in the integration of AI in teaching and learning processes.
Warwick von Hagen
Zola Budd Pieterse has been an ambassador for Stadio Higher Education since 2023. Her roles include that of coach, mentor and brand ambassador, as the face and voice of the private higher education institution's athletics and running club. "We should be grateful for every opportunity and grow from it," she said in her introduction. This philosophy fits perfectly with the growth theme of Eco-Onnie. She will address the teachers on Saturday 12 October at 10:00.
Sponsor a teacher
LGS is sponsoring a few teachers, at R2 000 per teacher, for this unforgettable weekend of experience, enrichment and togetherness. They are also working hard to secure sponsors for teachers from less affluent schools. Group Editors is the media sponsor and also sponsors a teacher for this symposium.
"We would like to challenge other businesses to do the same, helping teachers from less affluent schools to gain value from this symposium," said chief executive officer of Group Editors, Servaas de Kock.
Contact Rolandi Steyn on 083 382 6466 or send an email to rsteyn@lgs.co.za for inquiries regarding sponsorship and information on the symposium.
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