Cirrus programme mentors youth
During Youth Month, Fish Hoek High School will reflect on its Cirrus Programme, a leadership programme aimed at developing leaders within the school community.
The programme, which has been running at the school for more than 30 years, cultivates leadership skills and encourages experiential learning and collaboration over a period of six months for Grade 11s as a prerequisite to standing for the Student Representative Council (SRC) in matric, said School Governing Body (SGB) deputy principal Diane Stofberg.
Ms Stofberg said pupils meet weekly on a Monday and are exposed to various portfolios, including leadership techniques, managing school events, and individual growth, as well as driving community projects.
“Learning to make a difference has been the vision of Fish Hoek High School for almost seven decades.”
Two of the current Cirrus participants, Phindile Miya and Kendra Pastor recently shared some of their experiences.
Phindile said the programme has taught her to manage time, work with others, and speak confidently in public.
She said Cirrus allows her to communicate with others and express her thoughts and feelings without judgement. It also provides a better understanding of what is meant by leadership.
“Every session educates and allows you to get to know people around you and share ideas freely. It teaches essential skills and techniques to look at problems differently and it helps in pursuing personal independence, aspirations, beliefs and how everyone views the world. It made me realise and understand that leadership starts with leading your own life and encouraging greatness in others, that it is more than just a formal position of authority,” she said.
Kendra Pastor said she joined the Cirrus programme to learn new skills to help her after high school.
“It is an opportunity to grow, experience new things, and work on teamwork and leadership skills. Cirrus has prepared me for the future by encouraging me to work on teamwork, communication and listening skills. I enjoy Cirrus's activities and class discussions, listening to everyone's opinions and exchanging ideas. I appreciate that we do fun activities together while having more serious conversations and learning from one another,” she said.
She said the programme has also taught her that people have their skills when it comes to being a leader, and when you put a group of leaders together, their talents complement one another, working as a team to achieve a desired goal.