UNIZULU dissecting  the role of  Life Orientation Teachers

There was a buzz of energy when the anticipated Life Orientation teachers Seminar – King Cetshwayo District was hosted by the university of Zululand at the Bon Hotel – Empangeni on Thursday the 22 February 2024.

This prestigious event was hosted by the University’s Communication and Marketing Division. Life Orientation educators play a vital role in advising and empowering learners with relevant information that will help them to make informed career decisions. The aim of the seminar was to provide educators with an opportunity to inform these teachers about UNIZULU offerings. All four faculties presented their programmes offered as well as admission requirements.

Delivering the official welcome, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Institutional Support, Professor S Jaca was pleased that the Life Orientation educators have invested their valuable time in being part of the seminar. He explained that in attendance he is with his colleague Professor Vuyokazi Nomlomo who is the Deputy Vice Chancellor Teaching and Learning to represent the Vice Chancellor.

” It is indeed my pleasure to welcome you on behalf of the university of Zululand Executive Management as well as university of Zululand community to welcome you all to this seminar. We, as the university of Zululand, as we deliver, we also respond to the needs of the community, we respond in terms of Socio-Economic development. That is why we have started broadening our offerings which will be discussed today.” Said Prof Jaca.

Overall, the seminar was a huge success with teachers leaving the event more informed about opportunities that are available for learners at their schools. This information will help them offer comprehensive information to learners about alternative career paths and opportunities.

Educators also had a chance to learn briefly about the different faculties at UNIZULU. The event was organised to provide an opportunity to inform these educators about all aspects relating to the application process. All four faculties presented their offerings and informed the educators of changes in their programmes and admission requirements. One of the major stakeholders who are directly involved in the application process, the representatives from the Central Application Office (CAO), were also afforded an opportunity to present.

The positive attitude of the teachers was inspiring. The teachers found her presentations insightful. Siyabonga Magwaza from Nqamane High School in Nkandla attended the seminar for the very first time, he said that the seminar was very well organised and informative. “As educators, we need to equip and guide learners, and I am so pleased that UNIZULU acknowledges life orientation teachers as we sometimes feel that we don’t get too much credit. For us this was amazing.  We can go back to school recuperated to impart the knowledge to our learners.” Said the excited Magwaza.

Lihle Madondo, Advisor Mathematics, King Cetshwayo gave an overview of the seminars since they started.  “My sincere gratitude for the magnificent job UNIZULU has done for our district. We have seen a drastic improvement in Life Orientation. The 2023 performance in Life Orientation of the two hundred and seven schools, two hundred were able to get 100% pass altogether. “Explained Madondo

A total of 85 Life Orientation educators from various schools in the King Cetshwayo district attended the 2024 Life Orientation Teachers’ Seminar. The seminar concluded with a vigorous question and answer session, after the educators were afforded the opportunity to ask questions or seek clarity on some of the offerings at UNIZULU.

• Precious Shamase