Lion Of Africa SA2030 Presentation Evening

 The winning Essay: 'The Sibling Project'

Grace Bridgman,  Lauren De Bruyn and Lara Murray

Group 6

Springfield Convent School, shared their exciting idea of a Sibling School Project whereby schools will pair with each other and create initiatives in which they may assist each other and learn from each other. Schools will assist each other in the following: Academics, Teacher exchange, Student exchange, Sport, Resources, Fundraising, Socials and the like.

(To watch the presentations click here.)

The Sibling Project

Main objectives: to improve, empower, unify. Whilst these goals may seem ambitious, it is through our explanation of this project’s implementation that these goals may also be seen as entirely feasible.

• #1. Tutoring system.

Last year, matric pass rate for mathematics was 46%, whilst 53% passed physical sciences. In this initiative, exceptional students from either school would work with students struggling in their subjects.

• #2.Breaking the Language Barrier Initiative.

Where pupils would speak to and listen to each other in their different languages, thus teaching one another though simple conversation.

• #3. The sharing of facilities between schools.

If a privileged school with many facilities exists as a sibling, it would be encouraged to share facilities such as libraries and computers. This is an area of huge significance, as it is estimated that 15% of schools do not have access to electricity, whilst 15000 do not have libraries.

• #4 Sports.

Sport is an effective method of bonding as it encourages teamwork and camaraderie. Sports teams could therefore be mixed with students from both schools, whilst mixed teams from different sibling schools may have seasonal tournaments. Integrated singing clubs and bands should also receive emphasis.

•  Financial aspect.

Where one school is significantly wealthier than the other, fundraising and donation to the other school may be allowed. However, it is crucial that this financial aspect is not the main focus as it is essential that these relationships are not parasitic ones and those of charity. It is with this that we move on to our next section.

•  Incentives.

Furthermore, as the project gains popularity we would hope that it would gain status such as the President’s Award, which is something of a gold star on one’s CV.We also suggest that schools who participate receive a tax rebate for their involvement. However, we want to stress that these incentives are mere bonuses; not compensation for participating. Students should want to be involved because of a desire to give back the community and service to their country.