The Kimberley Rotary Club hosted a leadership workshop for the interactors from various local schools.
Image: Supplied
THE KIMBERLEY Rotary Club, led by Mary-Anne Daubermann, recently hosted a leadership workshop for the interactors from St Patrick’s CBC, Northern Cape High School, Kimberley Girls’ High School and Kimberley Boys’ High School. The event aimed to equip young leaders with essential skills and values, reinforcing the Rotary motto: Service Above Self.
Teachers Debbie Smit from Northern Cape High, Fortunate Hwenhira from Girl’s High, Wendy Peine from CBC and Violet Meza from Boys’ High are all dedicated mentors who played a pivotal role in motivating and inspiring the learners. Over the years, these dynamic women have guided numerous pupils, instilling in them the importance of leadership and service. Their unwavering commitment to making a difference in the environment and the lives of many is deeply appreciated by Rotary, which recognises that today’s Interactors are tomorrow’s leaders.
The workshop featured a series of insightful and interactive presentations by esteemed speakers:
Entrepreneurship - Mary-Anne Daubermann: Daubermann emphasised the value of entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of creating job opportunities, budgeting, global networking, and registering a business. She also underscored the necessity of fostering an entrepreneurial mindset to drive economic growth.
Servant Leadership - Eric Haumann: Haumann, a former principal and inspector, delivered a thought-provoking session on servant leadership. He stressed that true leadership is about setting an example through hard work, commitment, and integrity. A practical activity where Interactors were blindfolded and guided by a partner reinforced the importance of listening and trust in leadership.
Safety in the Workplace - Rooanne van Zyl: An energetic and inspiring speaker, Van Zyl tackled the crucial topic of workplace and environmental safety. His session encouraged learners to overcome fear, which often limits progress. The interactive nature of his presentation made it a favourite among the attendees.
The Importance of Eye Care - Juan Andre Coetzee (Torga Optical): This engaging presentation emphasised the significance of proper eye care, highlighting preventive measures and the role of optometry in overall well-being.
Life Coaching and Dealing with Bullying - Dr Steve Jonkers: Jonkers captivated the audience with an interactive session on tackling bullying. His insights and engaging approach made the topic highly relatable, leaving a lasting impact on the learners.
Budgeting and Financial Literacy - Thabiso Manjane: Providing a realistic approach to budgeting and financing, Manjane delivered an eye-opening session that encouraged learners to take notes and apply financial wisdom in their lives.
Home Building and Maintenance - Vernon Daubermann: Daubermann offered a comprehensive analysis of home maintenance, providing learners with practical knowledge of sustainable living and property upkeep. His session was both thought-provoking and reflective.
Mental Health - Mark Barends: Mental health awareness was introduced by BHS, with Mark Barends leading the discussion on its importance in daily life. The session emphasised the need for self-care and mental well-being, ensuring learners understood its relevance in their leadership journey.
Etiquette - Wendy Peine: Highlighting the value of etiquette, Peine explained how proper manners and respectful behaviour can significantly impact one’s personal and professional life. Her session reinforced the idea that true etiquette is a lifelong skill that opens doors to success.
Learners from Northern Cape High School participate in the workshop
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Northern Cape High School’s presentation, Our Environment, Our Future: Exploring Our Impact on the Environment and How We Can Make a Difference, underscored the urgency of environmental conservation. Introduced by Kitso Kgosieng, the session explored the detrimental effects of plastic pollution and the importance of sustainable practices.
Hannah Voigt detailed the devastating impact of plastic on marine and terrestrial life, linking it to broader environmental issues such as deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. She emphasised that plastic production generated 1.8 billion metric tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2019, a number projected to triple by 2060.
Kitso and Hannah also discussed the health risks of microplastics, which infiltrate water sources and food chains, leading to serious medical conditions such as artery blockages and organ failure. They proposed practical solutions, including:
An insightful interview conducted by Cady Govender featured guest speaker Katlego Tsogang, a chemical engineer and provincial co-ordinator for the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. Tsogang debunked myths about bioplastics, explaining that while they are bio-based; many are not biodegradable. She stressed the need for long-term solutions to reduce plastic dependency and mitigate climate change.
The event concluded with an activity led by Casey Fisher, where learners from participating schools repotted spekboom plants (Portulacaria afra). This indigenous plant, known for its exceptional carbon absorption capabilities, was chosen as a symbol of environmental responsibility. The repotting exercise fostered a sense of unity among Rotary Interact groups, reinforcing the idea that small efforts today can lead to a greener future.
Learners from various schools took part in the Rotary workshop.
Image: Supplied
The leadership workshop proved to be an invaluable experience for all participants. It not only equipped learners with essential leadership skills but also instilled a sense of responsibility toward their communities and the environment. As Rotary continues to nurture young leaders, events like these serve as stepping stones toward a future where service, sustainability, and strong leadership go hand in hand.
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