-- In a powerful response to the educational and social challenges facing the Eastern Cape, the Scientology Volunteer Ministers of the Church of Scientology Eastern Cape hosted their inaugural Learner Support Seminar. This transformative event, held at their newly established Gqeberha facilities, brought together a diverse group of community members—educators, student support facilitators, students, business owners, and concerned citizens—to address learning difficulties and equip participants with practical tools to overcome barriers to education and personal growth.
The Eastern Cape, fondly known as the province where legends are born, has made strides in improving its matric pass rate, reaching 84.9% in 2024, up from 76.5% in 2019. This progress reflects the highest year-on-year improvement among South Africa’s nine provinces. Yet, the province still ranks 8th nationally, second to last, underscoring persistent challenges in the education system. A recent survey revealed a troubling reality: 90% of teachers report difficulties engaging students, with many struggling to maintain focus or participate actively in lessons. This disengagement raises critical questions about the preparedness of the region’s youth, who will shape South Africa’s future in the next 30 to 50 years.
Beyond the classroom, the Eastern Cape grapples with profound socioeconomic issues. In 2024, the province recorded a youth unemployment rate of 45.5%, the highest in South Africa, according to Stats SA. This figure surpasses other provinces like North West and Free State, painting a stark picture of limited opportunities for young people. Compounding this, the Eastern Cape was rated the highest in South Africa for crime in 2023/24, with alarming rates of murder and rape driven by systemic issues such as poverty, unemployment, and social instability. These factors contribute to a vicious cycle, evident in vandalized classrooms, widespread truancy, and a growing number of young people turning to drugs or living on the streets as vagrants.
The Scientology Volunteer Ministers’ Learner Support Seminar is a direct response to these challenges, offering a beacon of hope for Gqeberha’s residents. Hosted at no cost, the seminar welcomed a broad cross-section of the community, from educators seeking innovative teaching strategies to students eager to overcome academic frustrations. The program is accredited by the South African Council of Educators (SACE) and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), ensuring its credibility and relevance for professional development.
Participants were introduced to practical tools designed to address common learning barriers, such as lack of focus, comprehension difficulties, and disinterest in studies. The seminar also tackled underlying social issues that impact education, including household conflicts, substance abuse, and a lack of motivation. Attendees were encouraged to apply these skills not only to improve their own lives but also to uplift their families, schools, and communities.
One university student shared a personal breakthrough: “I’ve often felt frustrated while studying, reaching the end of a page and realizing I retained nothing. It made me feel annoyed and defeated. This seminar taught me how to handle those moments and gave me tools to help others facing the same struggles. It’s truly empowering.”
The seminar’s humanitarian mission extends beyond academic improvement, aiming to address the root causes of disengagement and social decline. Empty classrooms, vandalized school facilities, and the sight of young vagrants on Gqeberha’s streets reflect deeper societal issues that cannot be ignored. By equipping individuals with knowledge and strategies to navigate these challenges, the Scientology Volunteer Ministers are fostering resilience and hope.
Sabelo Bless, Director of Public Affairs for the Church of Scientology Eastern Cape, emphasized the seminar’s broader significance: “When we look at South Africa’s current state and compare it to the past, an uncomfortable truth emerges. Our parents faced immense hardships, yet they benefited from an education system with higher standards, enabling them to achieve more. Somewhere along the way, the spark in today’s youth has dimmed. The tools provided in this seminar are a step toward reigniting that potential and rebuilding a brighter future.”
The Scientology Volunteer Ministers are committed to making the Learner Support Seminar a cornerstone of community empowerment in the Eastern Cape. By offering this program free of charge and with no obligations beyond encouraging participants to share their skills, the initiative aligns with the Church’s global mission to improve lives through education and humanitarian efforts. The success of the inaugural event has sparked enthusiasm for future seminars, with plans to expand outreach to more schools, educators, and families across the province.
As Gqeberha confronts its educational and social challenges, the Learner Support Seminar stands as a testament to the power of community-driven solutions. By empowering individuals to overcome obstacles and inspire others, the Scientology Volunteer Ministers are helping to shape a stronger, more hopeful future for the Eastern Cape.
Contact Info:
Name: Sandile Hlayisi
Email: Send Email
Organization: Church of Scientology South Africa
Address: Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Phone: 061 907 9325
Website: https://www.castlekyalami.org.za/
Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5ENd7YVi-M
Release ID: 89159489
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