The importance of raising a responsible and constructive youth

June 24, 2011 – Laura Maggs

The youth of today faces many challenges. Maropeng strongly believes in the importance of educating learners about the impact that they, as future leaders, will have on the planet and in society.

Issues such as pollution, crime and, very importantly, apathy need to be exposed and addressed, not in a doom-and-gloom manner, but against a constructive and optimistic backdrop. It is easy for people of all ages to become lost in a fearful and negative frame of mind, especially when so many problems exist in the world today.

A positive curiosity needs to take the place of apathy, so that these problems are addressed and resolved. Maropeng believes in creating a responsible youth, thoughtful of the ways in which they are able to improve the world for all of its occupants – both in communities and in our natural environment.

Maropeng’s educational resource packs, aimed at Grade 11 and 12 learners, are designed to promote a healthy awareness of the factors contributing to the planet’s deterioration, as well as to foster a respect for our heritage and equality as human beings.

The resource packs are not limited to facts and diagrams, but also contain a range of useful and interesting activities. These are designed to help learners discuss, engage with and immerse themselves in topics such as sustainability and responsibility towards bettering their planet for future generations.

The resource pack on life orientation, for example, encourages learners to, “participate in a community service that addresses a contemporary social and environmental issue”. One of its activities is to engage in a group debate about the topic “the existence of humankind is under threat”. Growing a forum of open and topical conversation amongst today’s youth is vital, especially in an age of digital escapism.

The resource pack also poses a number of crucial questions such as: “What social issues affect South Africa today?” and “Identify the environmental issues that affect your community”.

The resource pack on life sciences explores the topics of diversity, change and continuity – important factors to understand and appreciate in order to grow and nurture our communities and the environment. The resource pack on history focuses on the topics of heritage and globalisation, as well as on the importance of preserving and respecting where we come from, in order to better understand where we are headed.

The educational resource packs are available for free download on the Maropeng website. A trip to the Maropeng Visitor’s Centre will complement the lessons contained in each resource pack perfectly.

Why not make use of Maropeng’s winter special these school holidays? It includes dinner, bed and breakfast at the Maropeng Boutique Hotel, as well as a tour of the Maropeng Visitor Centre.

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