St Teresa’s school creates their own elections in order to learn about the voting system #IMadeMyMark

ROSEBANK – For St Teresa's school, creating leaders begins at a young age as proved by their mock elections held by the Grade 4, 5 and 6 learners.

April 29, 2019

Naidine Sibanda 1 minute read

Voters Mantshebo Mokobo and Gabriella Otto have made their mark at the St Teresa's School mock elections. Photo: Naidine Sibanda

For young minds, problem-solving is a task that is welcomed with enthusiasm and creativity.

St Teresa’s School Grade 4, 5 and 6 learners were keen to showcase their leadership skills as they held a mock election at their school in Rosebank. The initiative was part of Steam (Science technology engineering arts maths) which is a point of access to guide learners in critical thinking.

St Teresa’s Electoral Committee members Sara Potterton and Kgabiso Morafo set up ballot boxes for the mock elections. Photo: Naidine Sibanda

Members of the Stec committee, Kopano Kutama, Charlotte Swart and Charis Hughes ready to assist the voters at St Teresa’s. Photo: Naidine Sibanda

Stec (St Teresa’s Electoral Committee) member, Sara Potterton explained that they have different concepts to solve every year and this year the concept was based on elections. “We were split into groups and came up with party names, manifestos, party leaders and a press spokesperson. We also made IDs for the voters and got them registered,” said Sara.

St Teresa’s voters hand in their IDs to confirm their voter registration. Photo: Naidine Sibanda

It’s a happy day for St Teresa’s learners as they prepare to cast their votes for a school party that will make a difference. Photo: Naidine Sibanda

Her colleague Kgabiso Morafo added that the party leaders were given a couple of days to campaign and tell fellow learners why people should vote for them. “One party said they will make more study-buddies and accommodate more people, another party promised more fundraising activities which included selling ice lollies in summer and hot chocolate in the winter while another said they would provide more bag-racks [shelves for school bags],” Kgabiso said.