The Nelson Mandela University is abuzz this weekend as 700 Eastern Cape Education department high schools learners converged for a three day youth conference themed, ‘No more’.

This conference is aimed at capacitating learners with skills to withstand all life challenges.  These life challenges impact adversely on learner performance, safety at schools and ultimately learner retention.

Delivering his keynote message to these learners at the conference, the Education Head of Department, Themba Kojana lambasted moral decay, imbalanced psychosocial lifestyles and lack of parenting at homes.  “Our nation is bleeding as there is less responsible parenting leading to immerse workload to our educators. Parents are abdicating their roles and responsibility to provide values, enabling environment for growth to these learners.  We need parents to motivate these children and help inculcate a positive attitude to them”, said Kojana.

He also appealed to principals and educators to assist learners finish their schooling as it is critical for their economic participation and job security.  “Your contribution in nation building is critical, I plead with you to remain committed to this noble profession”, he added.

Kojana cautioned the attending learners to use this conference as a platform to capacitate them rather than just an outing.

“Every leaners must know that access to education is your right, while that is the case, you need to know that you (learners) have a responsibility to learn and pass at school.  It is possible to achieve your dreams if you learn to be responsible for your actions. You are a chosen few to attend this conference, therefore you need to use it to sharpen your mission as ambassadors of change”, warned Kojana.

Attending this conference are also sister departments like Health and Social development, non-governmental organisations like the Red Cross, Love Life and others.

The Eastern Cape Love Life senior manager, Nomalizo Mliswana commended the department for such a positive initiative especially during the holiday season. “Our contribution in this conference is to instill positive behavior to these future leaders.  This event complements our public sector clinic training programs that are meant to make them youth friendly.  We also have edutainment programs including modular school training for learners on life skills”, says Mliswana

Khanyisa Special school, Grade 10 learner, SiyamthandaXasa thanked that department such an ‘educational’ conference.  “Speakers of this conference are openly saying things and teaching us about our bodies and how to lead positive life styles. We thank the department for this opportunity and pledge to remain focused on our studies and commit to providing support to our peers in need in our schools”, stated Xasa.