MOT South Africa hosted the MOT Schools Impact Report, unvei

• Published date: 01 May 2024
• Author: Roshan Abrahams roshan.abrahams@acm.co.za
• Publication title: Southern Mail

The research was conducted by SPHER3 NPC, which highlighted the transformative effects of the MOT programme in Cape Flats schools

The Courage to Care Global Project, initiated in 2020, is a collaborative effort involving the Rotary Club of Wynberg, Haugaland Upper Secondary School, Karmøy Rotary Club, Rotary District 9350, and the Rotary Foundation.

MOT SA was identified as an implementing partner and training service provider, addressing the specific needs of the Grassy Park community, including Fairmount High School, Zeekoevlei High School, and Lotus High School.

The project aimed to create safe schools and local environments where youth can grow and develop in peace and harmony, learning self-acceptance and self-respect. Key shared goals of the project include: developing resilient youth, empowering educators and community leaders and cultivating a culture of respect and ubuntu (humanity).

MOT (meaning courage), initiated in 2008, empowers youth with life skills and resilience, enabling them to make conscious choices and become positive role models in their communities. Through the programme, youth are equipped with self-awareness, courage, and resilience to navigate life's challenges effectively.

Terrence Klassen, teacher and former principal of Fairmount High, said: “When the programme was introduced at the time when I was the principal, I felt that this will assist my learners given the personal, family, and community challenges many of them face on a daily basis.

“How do we assist them in overcoming their obstacles and achieve their dreams? This programme gave them the skills to deal with it, overcome and excel. Their attendance, behaviour and school work improved.”

Ms Klassen said the pupils gave their cooperation, and even initiated projects like ensuring that the library was taken care of, started and helped in the food garden, even assisting primary school pupils with reading skills.

“We are continuing with the programme as we know that it makes a real difference in our children's lives. Parents have commented and seen the changes in their children too,” said Mr Klassen.

Dylon Tommy, principal of Gardens Commercial High School, in the city centre, said: “For the first time we had a huge success rate of 95% of all of our Grade 9 learners passing mathematics in term 1.

“We’ve seen improvements in the behaviour of the Grade 8 to Grade 10 learners who...