The kids of Union High School in the Eastern Cape have decided to initiate the new students by showing them something they call “servant leadership”.
Union High School in Graaff-Reinet is set in the 4th oldest town in South Africa, encircled by 15 000 hectares of the scenic Camdeboo National Park, and offers a tranquil, historic and invigorating setting for the pupils of the Union Schools.
The High School was started in 1919 and they have remained committed to creating a happy environment where all students are afforded every opportunity for growth, and are encouraged to achieve their full potential in academic, cultural, sporting and spiritual activities under the guidance of professional educators, thereby enabling them to become fulfilled, self-reliant and responsible citizens.
And the Matrics of 2017 have decided to teach the new scholars that leadership starts by serving others.
During break on Monday morning, the prefects and some matrics of Union High showed the Grade 8 class that in 2017 they will lead through service to the school and their fellow learners.
What came as a shock to the Grade 8s, the matrics showed that seniority could humble itself, by stooping down, to wash the Grade 8s feet.
With buckets of water on the floor and towels in hand, the matrics endeavoured to show that 2017 is to be a year marked by servant leadership, in the hope that the young ones themselves would be inspired to serve others – not because they are weak, but rather because of their strength!
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This is what try Leadership is about!!! Strength is not about showing who boss. Leadership is about serving not commanding. Our Government could learn a lot from the Grade 12 pupils.
Well done Union and well done Mr Pringle.