Young Oscar looked at his classmates at the Londolozi Digital Preschool with fear written all over his face. A normal day for Oscar involves practicing the alphabet. Counting to 20. Painting on an iPad.
But today, Oscar’s classmates were “dolling up” and applying make-up. They were rehearsing their “Mango Groove” performance (see video below). Posing for the paparazzi. And for the only boy in the class, none of this seemed very appealing. Especially when, thanks to the 38-degree midday heat, the rouge on his peer’s cheeks started to look more “Halloween” and less “Graduation”. Luckily help was on hand for wardrobe malfunctions.
Oscar, left, not quite sure what to do with himself in a preschool that has become more of a salon and nail parlour.
The young preschoolers were getting ready for the 2014 Celebration of Learning, an event that brings the Londolozi team together to acknowledge the adults (and little adults) who have made a commitment to education, whether as mentors or students.
Oscar being Oscar, his spirit (and hips) started loosening up once the adults had put paid to their formal introductions and the dancing kicked in, and to his credit, he was one of the loudest “clappers” when it came to awarding the adult students their certificates – a variety of IT, Hospitality and Special Achievement awards.
But what Oscar may have missed is the emphasis this celebration places on mentors.
These are the teachers, family, and friends who see in others a potential worth fighting for. The people who see in you, more than you might see in yourself.
Like Tracker, Alfred Machavana who supported his son, Abna, on a journey of learning that now sees Abna as Head of the IT Academy at Hazyview Digital Learning Centre. A mentor in his own right.
Or Glory Manzini, who stood by her nephew, Teaman, through his darkest days, so that today he is an independent, talented, and abundant young man who has several qualifications and now dedicates himself to the empowerment of children in his community.
Yes, we are the most digital rural team in the world. And we have invested time and energy into our Londolozi Digital Learning Centre, but as Gogo Mo Groch very wisely says: “At the end of the day, it’s about the human software.”
Oscar might not know that (yet), but his mother certainly does. And as we ended our celebration with the capping of our youngest humans, it was an honour to be among this group of human software, filled with true mentors, and a graduating group of preschoolers who – if nothing else – were standing in front of an audience that believed in their potential.
Here are some of the photos from the day:
As usual, the Londolozi choir (with some help from Pastor Solly Mhaule) got the audience into the swing of things. Bronwyn was backstage before the event, ensuring there were no problems with the new outfits, which had their debut at the event.
However, given the energy of the Londolozi choir, there may need to be some minor adjustments…
Clockwise from top left: (1) Reckson and Boyd discuss the Londolozi 2020 vision; (2) The celebration took place in the heart of the village and was a “sold-out” event despite the heat; (3) Christopher Kane-Berman (“Stoff”) congratulates Pindile on completing two Hospitality courses; and (4) Dave and Shan applaud Pindile’s incredible achievement.
Thoko Godi (Londolozi Sous Chef) was named “2020 Person of the Year.” Thoko has achieved her International Computer Driving License Core and Advanced (Word) and is committed to ongoing learning. She has been an active member in her church group, involving herself in many admirable community projects, and recently she has been a driver of the new Londolozi women’s co-op. Congratulations Thoko!
Lizzy Khoza was named Londolozi “Student of the Year”. Lizzy has completed her ABET NQF Level 4 English certificate, her International Computer Driving License, and her Hospitality diploma in Housekeeping. And in her “spare time” she’s in the Londolozi Digital Learning Centre helping others.
Lizzy, Bronwyn and Thoko.
Mentors: Abna presenting his father Alfred with a gift (left) and Teaman embracing his aunt Glory (right).
Three of seven young men from the Tracking Academy who are graduating at the end of the year. Mark Mdlovu (right) got the highest cumulative aggregate in practical tracking skills training and theory.
The academic presentation of Londolozi’s most important and valued “little people” presented by Good Work Foundation CEO, Kate Groch and her side-kick, Maya Groch.
“At the end of the day, it’s about the human software.” – Gogo Mo Groch
Special thanks to Gogo Mo Groch, Shan Varty, Pastor Solly Mhaule and Mama Sipiwe Solomons, Reckson Dlamini, Kate Groch and Good Work Foundation, and Tammy Surtees.
Congratulations to all the Graduates!! What an exciting day! Thanks for sharing the day with us Ryan…great blog and wonderful pictures and video!
Thanks Jill. Definitely one of my best days in 2014 🙂 Working on improving the camera work, so watch this space!
I am so happy for everyone involved. Great story and photos.
🙂
Awesome blog. Love the video.
This was a great day, love the video!
Thank you Ryan for sharing this wonderful occasion with us. Congratulations to all the graduates 🙂
Thanks Wendy. I will pass on your congrats. The preschoolers are still celebrating and keeping asking “where is the audience so we can dance again?” 🙂
Congratulations to everyone. Loved the video with the girls dancing, please tell them they are famous in America as all our friends have seen them perform, and think they are very talented!
Congratulations to all the graduates and the the staff. The pictures and video are fantastic. Great job Ryan.
Congratulations! Digital learning is alive and well in rural SA! Oscar, you did a great job! Love the smiles, love the dancing, love the celebration – as Mo says, it’s about Human Software! Love to all….