67 minutes at Dr. George Mukhari Hospital...

Today I spent my 67 minutes for Mandela day at Dr. George Mukhari Hospital in Ga-Rankuwa. I joined Lethlogonolo and learners from LG Holele High school at the hospital. We cleaned the offices and wards of the spinal unit, helped move and feed the patients. I am glad I was able to assist in a small way, as this is a place that is close to Lethlogonolo's heart. After his attack which left him wheelchair bound, he spent 6 months in this unit. 

 

Lethlo heads up the Tri-Rangers, a community project that works with about 930 learners in Ga-Rankuwa. CHEETA has a fantastic programme aimed at working with these learners called the Cheetah Challenge. 

The Cheetah Challenge hopes to achieve the following...

Our vision is to change the perceptions of young people about their futures and what is possible.

We will do this by challenging each young person to change their world, one new thought at a time.

We aim to provide critical thinking skills and opportunities to children and young adults - focused on various areas of their lives, so that they change their mindsets and perceptions about:

·         Their Futures

·         Opportunities for Economic Activity

·         Their Health and Wellness

·         Making a difference in the lives of Others

·         Making a difference to  their Environment and ultimately the Planet

·         Improving Relationships and choosing appropriate Role Models

·         Choosing behaviour that results in Positive Outcomes in their lives

·         Consciously working on their Strengths and constantly seeking out new Skills

This will be done through a series of Action Learning Modules, using the environment as a strong metaphor. These will be followed by practical skills that will be taught through voluntary work at the Cheetah Centre.  The programme also seeks to bridge the technology and language divide and will also provide access to a Media Centre, Digital Cameras, English reading books, Think Tanks, and many other exciting technologies and processes.

The programme is aimed at youngsters (aged 12 to 18) from underprivileged communities who have a passion for the planet and who have demonstrated a willingness to be involved in voluntary work. It is divided into several levels and those who take up the Cheetah Challenge will graduate from one level to the next, represented by recognition badges for each level attained. This means that we reach the children over an extended period of time, rather than just as a ‘once-off’ experience. Leadership experiences will be offered to those who show outstanding Leadership abilities. 

If you would like to support this initiative, please contact me on +27 12 504 9907 education@dewildt.co.za

I hope you all had a wonderful Mandela Day

Happy Birthday Madiba!