Marist Brothers Linmeyer hosts an empowering conference
The conference was an enriching event, featuring esteemed guest speakers, insightful discussions, and cultural exchanges centred around the isiZulu language.
Marist Brothers Linmeyer hosted an empowering and informative conference on May 30 and 31, for over one hundred isiZulu teachers from KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Tony Williams, the executive head and primary school principal of Marist Brothers Linmeyer, welcomed the teachers, emphasising the importance of learning an additional language.
He encouraged the teachers to create good working relationships and share ideas to be used in the classroom.
Duduzile Cele, the chairperson of the Gauteng isiZulu cluster, then followed with her part of the welcome speech and reiterated the need for the continued growth of the isiZulu language in South Africa.
The keynote speaker, Johan Frederick Kelber Mulder, a polyglot based in Cape Town, spoke of the value of being able to teach the language.
His emphasis was on the importance and worthy role isiZulu teachers play in promoting the teaching and learning of the language and culture of the isiZulu nation; a nation with a rich historical background.
Incorporated in his speech was also the beauty of exposing the language to children from different cultural backgrounds.
He further encouraged the teachers, reminding them they hold the future in their hands, in moulding the children.
Fikile Khuboni, a university lecturer and author, gave the teachers teaching strategies and tips focusing on the methodology used in the classroom.
She then took the teachers in small groups to give practical lessons based on her presentation. Among small break-away sessions were classes on how to use technology in the classroom and how to involve cultural lessons in their day-to-day teaching.
Day two of the conference started with an interactive dance to demonstrate the use of dance in telling a story or facilitating role play in the classroom.
A presentation on mental wellness by Nomalungelo Shange, the college head of transformation and diversity at St Stithians College, followed this. Lindiwe Ndaba then took the teachers through her journey as an author. Risuna Nkuna, a representative of the South African Council for Educators, then spoke on the council’s values and encouraged teachers to ensure they were registered.
Teachers and various exhibitors well attended the conference. The delegates left the conference feeling empowered and ready to integrate new strategies into their classroom environments.
