Words of encouragement for 2019 leaders
Germiston Rotary Club’s annual Prefect Evening hosted school personnel and prefects from nine schools in the city to a motivational dinner.
Leaders from various high schools in the city were treated to a lovely dinner, courtesy of the Germiston Rotary Club’s annual Prefect Evening, on Thursday, at the Germiston Golf Club.
The club hosted first-time attendees Hoërskool Elsburg, in company with, Afrikaanse Hoërskool Germiston, Assumption Convent School, Hoërskool Vryburger High, St Catherine’s School, Dawnview High School, Hoërskool Goudrif, Primrose High School and Germiston High School.
The headboys and headgirls of the schools took to the podium to talk about their schools’ visions for the year.
Afrikaanse Hoërskool Germiston’s headboy, Ettienne de Jager, had guests and Rotarians alike in stitches when he spoke about the plight of the millennials.
“We are considered lazy and uncreative,” he said.
“No one from past generations understands the pleasure in binge, watching series or the hilarity in video compilations of cats doing weird things.”
Though he joked, he spoke calmly about the fears his generation faces. He believes they aren’t lazy nor uncreative; they’re aware of their responsibility to change the world for the better.
Each learner, sounding wise beyond their years, spoke confidently about the importance of staying true to themselves.
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Their speeches served as a excellent prelude to what the guest speaker had prepared to talk about.
With experience in social work, business, psychology and people management, Professor Adéle Thomas, was the guest speaker for the evening.
She gave an encouraging talk about ethics and values, urging learners to challenge themselves but remain true to their moral standards.
“Very often we don’t need anyone to tell us what is right or wrong, we already know,” she said.
“I want to challenge you to think of your ethics, because in times of difficulty you will not have the time to ask someone if something is right or not.
“You’ll have to tap into your own ethics and values.
“It is important to interrogate yourself at such times, to find out, Who am I? Am I being true to my values? What ethics do I live by?”
She reminded the guests that while they are eager to start the year in their new roles, they had the responsibility to serve those they lead.
“Remember, leaders without hearts become callous leaders,” she said.
ALSO READ: New presidents take the reins of Germiston Rotary Club
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