Youngsters becoming their own heroes

The Affirmation Championships for Youth hosted their semi-final clash between Kgatelopele Secondary School and Siyaboonga High School at the Roodepoort Theatre on June 17.

The two schools have carved their paths to reach the final destination, setting the stage for a showdown of confidence and affirmations that sent chills down their audience’s spines. The top 10 learners from both schools were selected to each perform their affirmation, featuring a panel of adjudicators who would select the top learners.

Brian Makgobe, the organiser of the championship, told the Roodepoort Northsider that the significance of this competition is primarily to build the confidence of the young learners, to allow them to practice speaking publicly, and keep them occupied with an extra-mural activity that affirms their power to one day become the best version of themselves.

“The event was very impactful because the learners could see themselves in a different light and think positively about themselves and their goals. Teachers were highly impressed, and we would like to continue such competitions for the youth,” Brian says.

Two learners, Relebogile Lekgau and Nthabiseng Sebetoane, both from Kgatelopele Secondary, amazed their audience and adjudicators, placing them as the top winners of the championship.

“Watching our learners and their incredible stage presence inspired us as their educators to keep encouraging more learners to join such competitions. The plan is to keep the learners busy with a lucrative extra mural activity that also boosts their confidence, allowing them to venture into more public speaking, debating or even poetry.

“Most learners reside in areas where negative influences can block their blessings to become future leaders, so we are hoping for more championships for our learners because we see their potential,” David Sithole, a teacher from Kgatelopele says.