EC Education recently hosted a successful ‘Keeping Girls in School’ Peer Educator Mentors Workshop at Sunrise Hotel in the Nelson Mandela Bay Education District.

This engaging event aimed to equip 26 peer mentors  with essential skills and knowledge to support their fellow learners. According to EC Education, School Health Safety and Learner Enrichment Chief Education Specialist Phumezo Mhletywa, the workshop is there to provide a platform for peer mentors to develop their leadership skills, build confidence and learn effective communication strategies. "As the Department together with Global Fund we seek to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment that promotes academic excellence and social well-being in the Province, therefore this two-day workshop will provide opportunities for Peer Mentors to practice facilitation and mentorship  skills through role-playing and reinforcing their ability to lead peer educators effectively” said Mhletywa.

School Health Safety District Coordinator Abongile Dlamini said that the workshop is more than just a training program but a movement to create a ripple effect of positive change in schools and communities. “Our training objectives are clear because we are addressing the unique challenges and risks in implementing the program. We will also develop strategies to overcome these obstacles and ensure the smooth execution of the programme within schools" added Dlamini.

The Adolescent and Young People Programme Officer from the Department of Basic Education Nomaxabiso Gqomo introduced  the three (3) supporting manuals for the KGIS program Peer Mentorship Manual, Life Skills Manual and the Supporting Girls in Schools Manual.

 “These manuals are designed to provide guidance, tools and resources to support the effective implementation of the KGIS program and are essential resources for anyone involved in the KGIS program. They will help create a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for our girls to thrive” said Gqomo.

The workshop did not only focus on educators professional development but also reignited their passion for teaching  and monitoring. Speaking on behalf of the Educators Sanctor High School Grade 8- 12 Teacher Donavan  Jacobs said that the workshop  was an eye-opening experience that enabled him to gain valuable insights to challenges  that the girl learners and how to support them.