MOT Courage2B Conference

On 2 December 2010, MOT South Africa hosted the first MOT International Conference at Spier Wine Estate in the Western Cape. This conference brought together experts in the field of education, human development and behaviour and leaders personifying courage. The main purpose of the MOT Courage2B conference was to acknowledge, motivate and strengthen the educators for the critical role they play in the holistic development of students in the further education and training (FET) colleges.

No matter how important it is that the youth is successful, and how much South Africa’s future depends on it, it cannot be guaranteed.

South Africans can, however, ensure young people are strong and resilient individuals who have the courage to develop to their full potential, make the right life choices, accept each other’s differences, support one another, and build healthy relationships.

And that is what MOT does.

The organisation does not tell young people how they should live their lives or what choices they should make. Instead, it:

• gives them the opportunity to discover who they really are, their strengths and their goals in life;

•teaches them to appreciate their uniqueness and people’s individual differences and opinions;

•helps them to create a supportive environment among themselves in and outside the classroom, to build healthy relationships and how to solve problems and conflicts; and

•empowers them to discover what is important to them, their values, their boundaries, their role models and how to make the right choices for themselves.

The MOT lifeskills programme is implemented by trained volunteers at the FET colleges in the Western Cape.

In support of the MOT programme, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu wrote: “Adolescence was never easy, how much more difficult today when young people are faced with many pressures and temptations.

“Many are unprepared and overcome by these challenges.

“I am delighted to support this initiative and encourage others to become involved.

“Our young people need encouragement, support and guidance to become the leaders of tomorrow.

“The MOT programme can help them discover their potential and to dare to reach for the stars,” he added.

MOT SA hosted this conference to encourage the trained MOT presenters to continue with their transformational work among the youth in the FET colleges, to increase the visibility of MOT SA, and to create new opportunities to expand the MOT programme and its impact among the youth of South Africa.

Companies such as The Demartini Institute, Metropolitan Health Group, AfriSam and Santam – which drive financial performance at the same time as investing in the development of our youth – formed partnerships with MOT SA to make the conference possible.

Some of the guest speakers at the Courage2B conference included Dr John Demartini, world-renowned human behavioural specialist, educator and internationally published author; Most Reverend Dr Thabo Makgoba, Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town; Dr Shegs James, senior specialist scientist at the South African Medical Research Council (MRC); Blum Khan, chief executive officer of Metropolitan Health Group; and Professor Eltie Links, chairperson of AfriSam.

Representatives of different sectors came together to strengthen the holistic education and development of our youth.

Dr Demartini is considered one of the world’s leading authorities on human behaviour and personal empowerment. As a gifted educator, he spends 300 days a year travelling the world teaching people how to be more self-governed and empowered in all areas of their lives. He shows individuals how to develop their potential, clarify their life and career direction and live inspired and fulfilled lives.

His goal is to contribute to the expansion of human potential in all markets and sectors across the world. His topic at the conference was: “How to inspire others to live an extraordinary life”.

Dr Shegs James is of the view that the recently published “Youth Risk Behaviour Survey” results by the MRC should mobilise the government and organisations to identify innovative ways to successfully alter the behaviour of our youth and, in doing so, strengthen the social capital of South Africa.

Wanda Möller