Five Glendale Secondary School learners have been recognised at the Mayor’s Civic Pride Awards for their work as Peer Educators supporting fellow learners and the broader community.

The awards handover took place at the school on Wednesday 7 October. Grade 10 learner Lyle Le Keur and Grade 11 learners Kieran Aloile, Damian Jaftha, Joshlin Fredericks and Kyla Smith received certificates of recognition. They were nominated by a teacher at the school, who wrote to Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis describing the group’s dedication and leadership.

Future role models

In her nomination letter, the teacher said the learners “are not only hardworking but also highly respectful and consistently demonstrate true leadership qualities.”

As Peer Educators, the five learners provide emotional and social support to fellow learners and help raise awareness of the challenges facing young people. Their focus areas include anti-bullying, teenage pregnancy prevention, and positive mental health and well-being.

Their support also extends to educators and support staff. They organise wellness activities that promote self-care, positivity and emotional well-being throughout the school.

A year of awareness

Throughout the year, the Peer Educators have taken part in and supported several awareness programmes, including:

• World Read Aloud Day
• Book Day
• Anti-Bullying Awareness
• Child Protection Week
• Teenage Pregnancy Prevention
• World TB Day
• Mental Health Awareness
• HIV/Aids Awareness and Prevention
• Psychosocial Support and Wellness Activities

Practical action

The group recently introduced a monthly Saturday clean-up of the school grounds. They are also working on transforming the school sick bay into a calming, welcoming space where learners who feel unwell, overwhelmed or in need of a moment of calm can feel safe and cared for.

They have started a peer support group, training fellow learners to support classmates going through difficult times. The teacher wrote that the learners’ work is “a powerful reminder that young people can be true agents of positive change when they are given a voice and the opportunity to lead.”

Beyond the classroom

The five learners are also involved in a range of extramural activities, including Russian classes, coding and robotics, drilling, rugby and cross-country. One of the group recently entered the Mitchell’s Plain Talent Search and reached the top ten.

A sense of pride

At the ceremony, a peer educator said the group’s motto is to work together in unity and encouraged everyone to support those around them.

Elton Jansen, who serves as a ward councillor and subcouncil chair, presented the certificates on behalf of the mayor. He said the mayor started the civic pride awards to acknowledge the good work learners are doing.

“When I drove in here, I had a sense of pride,” he said.

He spoke about growing up and shared how his mother worked hard to provide for the family. He encouraged learners not to let their circumstances determine their future.

“Don’t give up with people. Don’t give up with life challenges,” Jansen said.

He reminded learners that they were already winners. “Remember, you are all winners,” he said.

An invitation to do more

School principal, Fowkia Smith, said the awards were about more than recognition and celebration. She spoke about the challenges facing learners, including substance abuse, poverty and violence, and said these challenges could not be ignored.

She urged learners to see education as more than just passing exams. Education should also teach learners how to work with others, solve problems, communicate, lead and serve. “Never underestimate the influence that you have on those around you,” she said.

She reminded learners that their recognition was not the end of their journey.

“Your achievement today is not the end of your journey. It’s an invitation to do even more,” she said. “Continue to serve. Continue to make good choices.”

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