Convention offers learners the chance to grow
The abbreviation, WDYT (what do you think) became part of the pupils' everyday lingo and in the evenings they were challenged to get to a point in their lives where they realised that their God-given potential was unlimited.
BARBERTON – The theme of the All Africa Student Convention (AASC) was “unlimited”. The AASC is an annual national event and this year pupils from as far as Denmark had the privilege to attend.
Five high school learners of Kalei Deo Private School in Barberton, Monique van der Walt, Zeldean Zeelie, Coenie Grove, Zander Erasmus and Quinton van der Westhuizen, were among the 1 400 pupils who attended the convention from September 21 to 26 at the University of the Free State.
The purpose of this event is to develop and improve young people’s leadership skills while also building character.
Teacher, Heilet Eloff said, “According to the Bible, Christian youth should set an example of excellence in all that they do. Preparation time, before the convention, and competition time, at the convention, develop character, skills, and attitudes and definitely prepare learners for life.”
These Kalei Deo learners had to choose out of six categories, comprising 140 events that were presented.
Not knowing what to expect, their uncertainties soon turned to enthusiasm when the events began.
They participated in an Israeli dance and obtained third place.
“After months of practice, there was great excitement and gratitude among them for this achievement,” said Eloff.
Other individual achievements were:
Zeldean: Shot put – fourth place, praise and worship solo dance – sixth
Zander: Discus – third, shot put – sixth
Quinton: metalwork – fourth.
He also received a Christian character award for outstanding conduct during the convention.
The abbreviation, WDYT (what do you think) became part of the pupils’ everyday lingo and in the evenings they were challenged to get to a point in their lives where they realised that their God-given potential was unlimited.
Zeldean, Zander and Quinton also received nominations to represent their school and South Africa at the international convention in the United States in May, but in order to attend, they need to find sponsorship.The learners described their experience as “amazing, Godly, an opportunity to grow, to enjoy and make many new friends”.
“It was life changing and inspirational, with fun and serious activities mixed together with unforgettable memories that were made together with students and staff at AASC 2013,” said Zeldean.
