St Stithians College hosted the first ever Social Cohesion Conference with learners from around the province to create an environment for discussion and engagement, with a range of speakers.
The event, which was conceptualised by campus transformation director Noma Shange, was hosted on 6 and 7 June. Over 140 learners and teachers attended the conference that gave learners, from a range of backgrounds, the opportunity to share their experiences and challenges.
Shange explained that the idea for the conference came about following a series of discussions with learners from the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa Gauteng region.
“The concerns raised by the learners were that their conversations were dominated by class and race, therefore this conference needed to push the students from thinking about their most immediate to expand their scope of knowledge about the realities of the global world.”
The students were exposed to a variety of young and inspiring speakers, such as Malebo Sephodi, Shafee Verachia, Rekgotsofetse Chikane, and Ayanda Nyathi. Sizakele Shongwe from the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture also attended the event and spoke about the importance of social cohesion.
The learners received a deeper understanding of topics, such as the diversity of gender and sexuality, as well as how to destigmatise mental health in their communities, from speakers including Dr Bha Tlakula, Dr Nkini Phasha, Joshua Sehoole and Sean Tumner.
Shange added that learners and teachers shared that they felt the event was overdue and they hope that it can be hosted over more than two days and once a year.
A warm show of thanks was given to Shange and her Staff Transformation Committee for ensuring that the conference was a success. Shange said that she hopes to host the conference again in the future with learners from both private and public schools.
Details: St Stithians College 011 577 6000.
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