THE group of talented youth at Brettonwood High School who started the Youth Empowerment Association (YEA) has embarked on its first project, a mentorship programme to help grade 8 pupils get better acquainted with their new school.
The YEA undertook the project to bridge the major transition from Primary to High school. “The YEA came up with an innovative programme to assist Grade 8s in their new environment. This was done by pairing Grade 11 learners with Grade 8 learners. The Grade 11s were selected based on exemplary behaviour and work ethic. They did a number of icebreaker and rapport building activities as well as focusing on how to navigate the pitfalls of secondary school. The grade 8 learners really opened up to their mentors regarding concerns related to school and many other issues they are experiencing in life,” said YEA media officer, Nomsa Mthembu.
Nomsa said the project was a huge success. The grade 8s and their mentors left on their final day with smiles on their faces and students now await the YEA’s next project with enthusiasm.
The YEA was launched at the school in October last year with the aim of unlocking the potential, motivating fellow pupils and providing personal development opportunities and activities that meet the school’s objectives.
