Hospitality leader Sun International continues to tackle the subject of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) head on in four workshops with more than 1 000 Gauteng school children, together with non-profit company Father a Nation (FAN).
The workshops, aimed at teaching learners’ important lessons on positive masculinity and why it is especially necessary for male learners to make use of their strength for good, to love, protect and serve, were addressed from Naledi Secondary in Soweto, Empilisweni School of Specialisation in Katlehong, Buhlebemfundo Secondary in Tsakane, and Firethorn Primary in Klipspruit West.
“The interactions with the learners also centered around teaching boys and girls in schools about Gender Based Violence and the many different forms it takes and how they, young as they are, can form part in the fight against this,” said Father a Nation facilitator Sydney Madibo, a qualified educator and seasoned trainer.
The workshops for grade 10 to 12s were funded by Sun International, which has a socio-economic development focus on education, at a cost of R60 000. It is the third year in which the company has supported FAN’s quest to change lives through changing attitudes and beliefs.
Each learner received a snack and a copy of Smile, Shimmer, Shine, an inspirational book for high schoolers written by Sun International’s Transformation Manager, Ashnie Muthasamy.
“Sun International is committed to driving real change, and helping schools deal with the challenges that emanate as a result of GBV and toxic masculinity”, said Sun International Socio-Economic Specialist, Heidi Edson. “It is wonderful to witness how the educators themselves are also directly empowered by these interactions, as together with FAN, we take an active and necessary step in assisting schools deal with the issues they are confronted with.”
