The aim of this conference, according to school social worker Estelle Farrell, is to place the focus on hard working learners, motivating them to dream dreams and to reach for them.
The afternoon's programme included a motivational speech from the department's circuit team manager, Mr T Willems. He encouraged the learners to take risks and realise that "poverty is the basis for performance," not wealth, and that anything is possible for them. Willems declared, "you have the potential and the energy to achieve whatever you want."
He asked learners to do away with any negative self talk, like 'sorry-mindedness' and blaming the past or others for their mistakes, and to remember that their lives are the sum total of the choices that they make. He also emphasised the importance of taking on responsibility at their respective schools - especially those in positions of leadership - and to be responsible when it came to their own education, taking ownership of their future.
Pastor Niemand shared his message to "Keep the dream" and a team from Love Life informed the learners about HIV and Aids, equipping them to share this knowledge with their peers.
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Thamsanqa Buda (from left), Maché Fredericks and Kaylin Williams, during Mr T Willems’ session with the grade 11 learners at the recent Youth Conference, presented at George High School by the Department of Education.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: LEEANNE PRATT, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
