This year’s first MOT coaches’ implementation review and refresher workshop brought together 39 MOT coaches to refresh their skills and prepare them to empower youth.
Teachers/coaches from schools in Grassy Park including Fairmount, Lotus and Zeekoevlei high schools, Pebbles Project, in Stellenbosch, False Bay, West Coast TVET College and College of Cape Town attended the workshop at the College of Cape Town, Crawford campus, on Thursday March 23.
Jacqueline Carolus, office and social media administrator, said MOT South Africa, started in 2008, is a registered, public benefit and non-profit organisation, specialising in life-skills and mental health development among the youth.
Ms Carolus said: “The importance of mental health was also emphasised during the workshop. The youth face various challenges, and the MOT programme acknowledges the importance of mental health in helping them overcome these challenges. The MOT coaches were reminded to provide a safe and supportive space for the youth to share their thoughts and feelings.”
Viola Manuel, director of the MOT SA, said the coaches are taught how to implement this programme correctly. “The programme teaches the coaches how to start seeing the learner as a whole person, to teach them the courage to care, how to say no, how to be proactive and to have their priorities correct.”
Ms Manuel said the three-year programme starts at Grade 8 level, then the coaches will follow up with the pupils who have moved on to Grade 9 and Grade 10.
Ms Manuel said the programme has a positive impact on the youth. “We have understood from UWC research that learners that follow this programme have a high retention rate, they do not drop out of school and there are more passes as well as quality passes.”
The feedback received from the teachers/coaches in attendance emphasised the importance of ongoing support and motivation in creating a positive impact on the youth.
Audrey Hendricks, of Fairmount High said: “Thank you for your ideas of implementation, and I will take it.”
Julleen Goliath, of Zeekoevlei High, said: “MOT made me young, and I’m ready.”
Lezelle Peters, of False bay TVET college, said: “I love that we are a family and have a network to contact for tips.”
Bernadette November, of Pebbles Project in Stellenbosch, said: “Let’s not stop making a difference.”
If you want more information about the programme call 021 696 6610 or email info@mot.org.za or visit their social media handle for Facebook, Instagram at @motsouthafrica
