-- Twitter Summary card images must be at least 120x120px -->
Young people are losing their grip on reality in navigating their way through the pitfalls of everyday life due to continued challenges foisted upon them by drugs, peer pressure and health concerns. With social media only a click away due to the functionality of mobile phones and internet access, they are bombarded with information that is often negative and propagate a dark future in their understanding.
Most young people are afraid of the future. But what if there’s a way to become a nation builder and for them to contribute towards positive change and social transformation?
“This is what the new Mokopane Gold programme for high school learners is all about,” says Mokopane Gold project mana-ger Imogen van Wyk. “With this programme we aim to build into our country’s greatest resource which is our young people and participate in the mental, physical and spiritual development of young people in our area.”
Imogen, along with Marinda Marshall and the Gold team, launched the programme in three schools in January of this year. They have nearly 50 learners from Grade 9 enrolled at Piet Potgieter high school, North Crest Academy and Mokopane Destiny Academy. While the Implementing Organisation in Limpopo is Destiny Alive, it embraces learners from any religious and cultural background.
“The aim is to equip these ‘peer educators’ with the necessary skills via interactive facilitation and mentorship to turn them into leaders who will positively influence the future generation,” explains Imogen, adding that these peer educators are taken on a journey of transformation, by under-taking the three year Gold Skills Training programme. These leaders are equipped with tangible skills and character to contribute to positive changes in their schools and communities. Once an Alumni (Gold graduate), these youth are given an opportunity to participate in the Gold Grad community and are given access to connections to future opportunities.
“It will have a ripple effect,” adds Marinda. “They use the power of peer pressure in a positive way. They influence their friends to have a vision and hope for a brighter future and to adopt health-enhancing and purpose driven behaviour that will enable them to reach their full potential and create positive change.”
Peer education is based on the reality that many people make changes not only based on what they know but on the opinions and actions of their close, trusted peers. Peer educators are the same age as the group in which they are active. Says Marinda: “Peer educators have proven to be more effective than adults in establishing norms and in changing attitudes related to issues such as drug abuse, bullying, sexual behaviour and even health risks.”
“However, they are not necessarily well enough equipped in transmitting factual health information and this is why they are adult-led by trained facilitators who visit the schools weekly and ensure that they have the proper guidance in dealing with peer-related issues,” says Imogen.
The Gold Peer Education Model uses a well-researched curriculum and resources. It has been tested and refined over eight years and is implemented through two - three year skills training programmes. It is grounded in researched evidence and best practices from the peer education field.
Gold’s curriculum is based on the following modules: self-development; gender, relationships and rights; sexual and reproductive health; leadership; communication skills and community action.
Imogen and Marinda are personally leading the programmes on a weekly basis at the three schools and have found even the most reluctant learners becoming interested as the weeks progress. “Even learners that are often singled out as ‘difficult’ become excited as the programme develops and they see the opportunity to change into a positive role model amongst their friends.”
“We’ve started small with three schools, but hope to expand to all high schools in Mokopane, Mawhelereng and Mapela and even further afield if at all possible, to ensure positive growth in the communities we live in,” explains Marinda. “The message is one of hope – and we hope to build on that very positive message.”
Mokopane Gold is calling on local businesses, schools and individuals to support this programme which will benefit the community as a whole.
“Partner with us for a better future through any sponsorship by way of T-shirts, caps, bags or donation,” says Imogen. “Companies are welcome to include their logos as way of sponsorships.”
Individuals who would like to donate their time and become involved in the
project are also encouraged to make contact with Mokopane Gold.
Any one requiring more information or who would like to contribute via a donation or sponsorship can contact Imogen at cel: 084 814 8055 or at the office on tel: 015 491 7968.
0 Comments