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Recognising the role of social development in shaping the future of young minds, an initiative aimed at reducing school dropout rates by helping learners make better choices is now in year two of implementation. Facilitated by a qualified social worker, this initiative is designed to positively impact over 1 000 learners, across 11 primary schools in the Eastern Cape and has positively impacted the communities of Bedford, Adelaide, Cookhouse, and Somerset East.
Zandile Deliwe, Social Performance Manager at Golden Valley wind energy facility, funder of the programme said, “As we embark on this journey of social development, we envision not only a reduction in school dropout rates but also the cultivation of a generation of informed and empowered individuals who will be able to make better choices and navigate social-ills. The initiative stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward a brighter and more resilient future for school learners in our communities.”
Benefitting schools in the communities of Bedford, Adelaide, Cookhouse, and Somerset East, sessions addressing crucial topics such as bullying, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, and exam preparations are conducted each month for the grade 6, 7, and 8 learners. Additionally, sanitary towels are distributed to the learners, ensuring their basic needs are met.
Furthermore, the programme is implementing a comprehensive mentoring and coaching programme to uplift the social worker. By prioritising the facilitator's professional development, the initiative aims to create a sustainable and impactful support system for the communities it serves.
Ndileka Xameni, the social worker appointed to facilitate this programme said, “Over the past eight months, attending sessions has taught me new skills such as programme strategising, session planning, and reporting. It has also improved my existing skills and assisted in performance management, navigating change, supporting self-directed learning and development, and sharing curated resources. As a result, I am now able to apply these skills to help my facilitators define and achieve their goals.”
