Imologo Community Projects, from Mamusa, Schweizer-Reneke in collaboration with the Department of Education and Masifunde Learner Development, is implementing the "Masifunde Change Maker Network" to create safer learning environments for South African students. The initiative aims to tackle issues like substance abuse, violence, bullying, and gender-based violence, and is being implemented in the Dr Ruth S. Mompati district.
The Masifunde Change Maker Network has chosen six schools from five municipalities in the Dr. (RSM) district for their mission, including Itshupeng Secondary School, Mampho Secondary School, Vaaloewer Combined School, John Frylinck Secondary School, Bore Secondary School, and Batlhaping Secondary School, for the initial phase of their programme.
The activation workshops aimed to empower Grade 9 students to realise their potential as change makers, emphasizing their unique personalities and character. They emphasized that the change they envisioned should come from within themselves, presenting them as valuable assets to their schools. Following activation workshops, five students from six schools were chosen as change makers to drive positive change within their schools.
A comprehensive two-day training session was held on September 19 and 20 at the District Department of Education (Mini Garonna) toequip them for this crucial role. The training is aimed to equip selected representatives with the necessary knowledge, skills, and empowerment to effectively address school safety issues. It was learner-led, focusing on implementing solutions that resonated with the unique school environments of the chosen representatives.
The training covered school safety topics like substance abuse prevention, conflict resolution, anti-bullying strategies, and promoting a respect and inclusion culture, equipping change makers with the necessary tools to make a significant impact in their schools. The Masifunde Change Maker Network is a unique initiative that promotes a collaborative approach, encouraging schools to create campaignstailored to their community and school environment, involving teachers, parents, and students.
This inclusive approach ensures that the solutions generated are effective and sustainable. Batlhaping Secondary School's training was postponed due to exam-taking students, highlighting the initiative's commitment to inclusivity and support for all students, despite the participation of students and teachers in the two-day training, demonstrating its commitment to fostering change makers.
This initiative aims to create safer, more supportive learning environments, nurturing the potential of every student. The young change makers address issues like substance abuse, violence, bullying, and GBV, inspiring others and proving that positive change begins with those most affected. The programme's tangible impact is expected to continue making schools safer and more welcoming for all.
