VEREENIGING.- A matric learner from Phoenix High School was not only elected as president of her school’s Representative Council of Learners, she was also elected as president of D7 District’s (Sedibeng East) Representative Council of Learners and most recently as president of the provincial Representative Council of Learners in Gauteng.
Naledi van Heerden (17) is one of an elect six learners from across the province chosen to serve on the provincial committee.
She is also the only learner from the Vaal on that committee.
The elections for the Gauteng Representative Council of Learners took place on the 6th of May.
Naledi and the other candidates had to campaign and prepare speeches after which votes were cast.
Naledi explains what the role of the Representative Council of Learners entails: “We, the Representative Council of Learners basically identify problems at schools and then find solutions to those problems and implement them.
“The committees of the individual districts identify problems within their districts, bring them to the Representative Council of Learners in Gauteng and then we as a committee decide on a course of action to address those problems.”
Speaking about some of the problems faced by learners at schools in the Vaal Triangle, Naledi says that substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, bullying and mental health issues are problematic.
Naledi says the district committee on which she serves is currently working on a campaign called #EducateABoyChild.
“As we are aware of the increase in gender-based violence, abuse and killings of girls in our country we are planning a campaign called #EducateABoyChild.
“This will help to educate boys on issues such as abuse and gender-based violence.
“This is to shift the narrative. There are many campaigns about gender-based violence and a lot of them focus on educating the ladies.
“We are trying to shift that to educate boys also. We are planning a debate competition and are currently awaiting approval from the District Directors. The campaign would also include taking boys on a field trip to prison.”
When asked how Naledi manages to juggle her newfound responsibilities as a member of the Provincial Representative Council of Learners and school work at the same time, Naledi responded: “I think I am doing very well handling the two together.”
“The district committee meetings usually happen after school. Great consideration is given as to when meetings are set up. The meetings are usually set up so as not to inconvenience the learners.”
“The meetings of the Provincial Representative Council of Learners usually happen on Saturdays,” explains Naledi.
Andre Botha, headmaster of Phoenix High School, says the school is incredibly proud of Naledi. “She not only represents Phoenix High School on the Provincial Representative Council of Learners, she also represents the whole Vaal Triangle on that council.”
Serving on executive committees like these is good for gaining experience.
When asked about her future career prospects, Naledi says she is thinking about studying law but is also considering going into the real estate business.
