POLOKWANE – After realising that the majority of learners are affected by family drama, several pupils from Taxila Secondary School started a Taxila Teenage Club to help fellow-learners deal with family and other problems.
According to the club coordinator, Phillip Matji (educator), the club discourages teenage pregnancy and encourages learners to focus on their studies and have good morals. It was established in 2014 and has benefited many students ever since.
Matji said they work closely with social workers to help solve problems requiring professionals. Karabo Lamola, one of the club members, explained that they realised that learners were affected by family issues and did not have anyone to talk to.
“Family problems can make one lose focus in the classroom and this results in poor performance. We have weekly meetings where we invite social workers and motivational speakers to help solve some of the problems. We cannot solve them all as we are not trained,” said Karabo.
She said they host fundraising functions and have donated food parcels to Samaritan House and sanitary towels to Frank Mashile Secondary School.
Another member of the group, Mothekgi Phasha, said their main goal was for the school to have learners with good morals who perform well despite the challenges they face at home. She said they are happy with the progress made thus far and learners are responding well to the club. Another member, Lesedi Rasehloka, said: “Our biggest goal right now is to raise enough funds to build a school hall. We plan to approach different companies and request donations.”
She said they need about R3.5 million to build a perfect school hall that will accommodate all the learners and their parents. She also encouraged other schools to start similar clubs to build better future leaders. Anyone willing to assist the club financially can contact Matji on 082 5931 424.
