Page 14 - Education February 2024

Why Acceptance at Schools is Pivotal

in Creating Young Adults with

Strong Values

t Peter’s College, an Anglican
Christian school based in
SSunninghill, houses students from
grades 8 to 12 and prides itself on the
values and attitudes it fosters within
these future young adults. Given the
critical age of these students, St Peter’s
College makes a conscious effort to
create an accepting environment that
sets the pathway to creating individuals
with strong values.

Developing and maintaining a school
that truly focuses on the child holistically
is no easy task and is quite broad.
Relevant and impactful strategies
must be developed and executed
at various levels: administration,
academic, supplier, and student. It is
not a single tick-box exercise but rather
an ongoing feat consisting of multiple Inclusion at St Peter’s College, Revd. Kabelo Motlhakane. “We work from a basis of
considerations and actions. St Peter’s love and inclusion of all people, whether we agree with them or not,” explains College
College looks at how a child is developed Chaplain, Revd. Kabelo Motlhakane. “Based on Anglican theology, we constantly
and accommodated spiritually through remind our children and staff that we are in the business of love. We are agents for
academics and extra-curricular activities transformation through the work of love and academics. Our faith is fashioned around
as well as through safe spaces for them balance, mental wellness, and the beauty of diversity within the church itself, so we are
to voice their mental health issues. The constantly in conversation about the things we don’t necessarily see eye-to-eye on. Our
latter is a struggle that never ceases, and task is to transfer those skills to our students”.
poor mental health has so many different
roots, including those of identity. As an By prioritising inclusion and diversity at various levels, the school not only does what is
Anglican school that puts the child ahead necessary in today’s ever-evolving world but acts within its values: building relationships,
of everything they do, St Peter’s College responsibility, showing resilience, and having respect for all. It goes without saying that
facilitates conversations of identity and students cannot sincerely live out these values if they do not feel accepted or do not
a movement of acceptance despite any know how to accept others. Furthermore, it’s not about acceptance of what is familiar
identity struggles. Students are not and easy but also the acceptance of what is not. How do we expect future young adults
equal to their struggles but rather the to enter an ever-evolving tertiary environment and workforce
result of who they are after AND as they with values like those mentioned above when they have not
overcome them. been taught them during their high school years? Schools are an
essential link in developing crucial life values for future young
However, no great movement towards adults; it all starts with inclusion and acceptance.
building even greater individuals comes
without complexity. A shift in thinking Issued by Sasha Govender (Marketing Manager, St Peter’s College)
and acceptance is necessary and is Visit our website: https://www.stpeters.co.za/college or
facilitated by the Head of Diversity and call us on 011 807 5315

Education | February 2024 | 12