Symposium - Vocational Training on English Second Language Learning

PP Andre Brandmuller of the Middelburg Rotary Club welcoming the delegates to the symposium

On Saturday 28 July 2011 more than a 180 Educators from the Mpumalanga Department of Education attended the symposium presented by the Vocational Training Teams from D6400 and D9400. This symposium was the highlight of the program funded by a Global Grant of the Rotary Foundation in the value of approximately $45 000.00.


Helena Coetzee making a strategic point



Dr Davd Lynn leading a practical session



Talitha Sihlangu explaining one
of the teaching strategies.

Marlize Loubser setting the example

Time keeping the old fashioned way

The symposium was addressed by a specialist in the field of learning methods and styles, Mr Andre Vermeulen, before the delegates were again provided in a most practical fashion with strategies to address the challenges which they face in the classroom on a daily basis.
Again, the responses in evaluation of the day were incredibly positive and indicated a clear need for the training provided.

It was wonderful to have the support of the Mpumalanga Department of Education on this project.

We can now start working on the next phase of the program to cement the principles provided with the training in the interest of education of our children, and the long term future of our communities.

The team from left to right:
Peter Motaung, Jeanne Knopf de Roche, Helena Coetzee, Sue Chanko, Talitha Sihlangu, David Lynn, Marlize Loubser, Elaine Galanakis, Mary Jeanne Gallagher, Renier Loubser, Karen Albu

Vocational Training Team - 2nd Workshop

The vocational training teams from D6400 and D9400 presented their second workshop with a focus on English Second Language learning at the Nthombeni Primary School yesterday. Approximately 70 Educators attended the workshop, and walked away with new enthusiasm for the difficult task that they face on a daily basis. The educators, who mostly hailed from Mhluzi, were highly complimentary in their evaluation of the program and the strategies they were given to cope with the challenges faced in the schools.

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Comments received on the 1st VTT Workshop

Here are a few of the comments made by Middelburg Teachers after the 1st workshop presented by the VTT Teams from D9400 and D6400.

"Thank you for powerful and incredible information and for assisting and equiping these teachers with the strategies they need the most." 

"Loved every minute! Thank you so much."

"Thank you, you enriched us with new ideas."

"Thank you for the inspiration! It was a breath of fresh air!"

"Thank you for widening our horizons. We are eager to see how we can implement this for more positive teaching."

It is very gratifying to receive such a positive and supportive response. Any concerns as to the sustainability of this Global Grant are effectively addressed by such a positive response. What is even better, is that this project will probably reach at least another 150 educators in the next 5 days.

Well done to all who have made this possible!!!!

First Workshop for VTT Teams on ESL

The Vocational Training Teams from D9400 and D6400 jointly started the formal part of their work today. The 1st workshop has been held at Middelburg Primary School.

 It was wonderful to see almost 100 educators arrive for the program.

Renier Loubser welcoming the delegates to the workshop

 One of the D9400 team members, Renier Loubser welcomed all the educators before introducing D6400 VTT team leader, Mary Jeanne Gallagher, to introduce the project and the program for the day.



VTT Team leader from D6400, Mary Jeanne Gallagher

 She made it clear that this was not going to be one way traffic, but a workshop which will allow everybody to give an input in the best interest of the children they are teaching. I, for one, look forward to seeing the results of this Global Grant of the Rotary Foundation

A week in the life of the Vocational Training Team from D6400

Mary Jeanne Gallagher and her team started the week with a working lunch during which they met with the regional director of the Department of Education, Mr JJ Mabena, and his management team. During this meeting which took place at Middelburg Primary School, the tone was set for the work of the Vocational Training team in conjunction with the Mpumalanga Department of Education.  It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm with which our friend from Canada were received by the officials from the Department. The rest of the week was filled with visits to local schools to asses the challenges face by teachers in the classrooms, meetings with principals of schools in the area to share their vision, and preparations for the workshops and symposium which are to start next week.
The team also had the privilege of sharing the celebrations of Former President Nelson Mandela's birthday at one of the schools. "Mindblowing" was the comment heard from Mary Jeanne.

Marlize Loubser introduced Karen and Linda to Rooibos Tea. They were so impressed by the taste and promise of medicinal qualities, that they have already stocked up for their return to Canada.

On Friday the team visited Soweto with AG Mgezi Mazibuko, and PDG Anton Meerkotter. The visit included a stop at Madiba's former residence in Orlando, the Hector Peterson Museum and lunch.

On Saturday evening the team was able to relax at a braai at the house of Pres Anna Mart Ott and Nick. It was a wonderful evening during which they were shown a video of the 2011 Greatest Train Race and the projects which benefited therefrom. Mary Jeanne also handed a small token of appreciation to PDG Anton Meerkotter from PDG Micheal Duben of D6400. She thanked both of them for their efforts in making this VTT possible.

We hope that the team will be able to recharge their batteries before the next busy week starts.

The Vocational Training Team from District 6400 has arrived

We would like to welcome the Vocational Training Team from District 6400 who arrived in Middelburg last night. After a 2 hour delay at Atlanta and a 15 hour long flight, a tired but excited team under the leadership of Marie Jean Gallagher arrived at OR Tambo International airport to be welcomed by District 9400 VTT Team leader Elaine Galanakis and PP Andre Brandmuller. The team consisting of Jeanne Knopf de Roche, David Lynn, Sue Chanko and Karen Albu are looking forward to 3 weeks of sharing their knowledge of English Second Language Learning with Educators in Middelburg. There is no doubt that they will enjoy a day of rest after their long travel today.
We look forward to getting to know them better, and seeing the results of this global grant.

Mary Jean Gallagher

Jeanne Knopf de Roche

David Lynn

Karen Albu

Sue Chanko

Marshall's needed for Greatest Train Race- 18 August 2012

The Rotary's Greatest Train Race is taking place from Emelahleni (Witbank) to Middelburg on 18 August 2012. As always we take the liberty of asking our fellow Rotarians and clubs in D9400 to come and join us on the day as marshalls. Those who have assisted us in the past will no doubt share with you the incredible experience of participating in the largest charity fundraiser project in the Country. We are expecting about 20 000 participants and hope to raise more rthan R1,5 million rand for our community. Please e-mail Andre Brandmuller ( b55@mweb.co.za ) if you or your club are interested in getting involved.

The more, the merrier. 

Wheelchairs In Kwa Mhlanga

The Middelburg Rotary Club wheelchair project has once again reached people in desperate need in the KwaMahlanga area. Thank you to Mr Phillip Rapudi for identifying the needs and assisting with the distribution pf wheelchairs and monitoring of the use of the chairs. Our sponsors can feel very proud of the difference that they are making. These disabled persons live in areas that many Rotarians have never been to and in conditions that are desperate.
The Middelburg Rotary Club wish to thank everybody that have made it possible to provide wheelchairs to these people. It is a sad state of affairs that there is still a need for some 60 chairs in this area. Please contact us if there is anybody who can assist with more wheelchairs. ( middelburgrotary@gmail.com )

Induction of President Anna Mart Ott

President Anna Mart Ott was inducted by the Middelburg Rotary Club to be its leader for the 2012/13 Rotary year. Anna Mart is the Chief Executive Officer of the Middelburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and has been in that position since 1998. Under her leadership, the Middelburg Chamber was in 2010/11 recognised as the Chamber of the year by Business South Africa.
We have no doubt that under her leadership, and with the drive that she brings to the position, the Middelburg Rotary Club will grow from strength to strength.

Pres. Anna Mart Ott with Ann President
Augusta Myburgh and Rotarian Mia Struwig

PP John Brislin (Middelburg Cycad) and AG Charles Deiner

PDG Anton Meerkotter and PP Ashrif Latib
sharing a joke

PP John Brislin (Middelburg Cycad),
PP Andre Brandmuller and PDG Anton
Meerkotter enjoying a glass of red wine

Pres. Anna Mart Ott and secretary Rotarian Hannetjie Nolan

PP Hannes Struwig of Middelburg Rotaract with
newly inducted Rotaracters

It was wonderful also that the Middelburg Rotaract and Interact Clubs used the Induction dinner to introduce new members to the Rotarians of Middelburg. The Presidents of the Rotaract and Interact Clubs were also inducted during the evening. We would like to wish President Sakkie Myburgh of the Rotaract Club and President Ameerah Dadabhay of the Interact club well for the next year.

PP(Interact) Merlin Meerkotter receiving his Past
President pin from Pres. Ameerah Dadabhay 

Christmas Light Work party - 7 July 2012

CHRISTMAS IS ONLY 175 DAYS AWAY

Good morning Rotarians,

Please note that there is a Christmas Light’s work party at our shed at the Care Village on Saturday 7 July 2012 from 09h00.

THIS IS THE CLUB’S ONLY FUNDRAISING PROJECT AND THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE WOULD BE DELIGHTED IF ALL ROTARIANS ATTEND TO SHOW THEIR SUPPORT.  There will be very little technical expertise required as we will only be testing the lights and taking stock. It is essential that we complete this on Saturday in order to determine the material and time needed to repair the lights in readiness for November.

Anns, Rotaractors and Interactors are welcome to come and help and enjoy some fellowship and show their support for this project.

Please bring your own liquid refreshments. Food will be provided after the work is finished so it is essential that you  inform Elsabé at 013 243 2253 or 084 983 2819  of your attendance to facilitate catering. Fellowship and fun will be available all day!

SOS - Missing Rotary Banners!!!!!

The Middelburg Rotary Club is looking for any clues and assistance with regard to its banners which were last seen at the District Training session which was held at the Nkangala District Municipality. The cast iron Rotary wheel which has been in the posession of the Club for more that 20 years also seems to have been misplaced. We would appreciate if Elsabe Dawson or Pres Anna Mart Ott could be contacted with information. (013-243 2253)

Why are we Rotarians?

This 4 minute video was shown at the Rotary D9400 conference in June 2012. Feel free to comment

A Final Report from PDG Anton Meerkotter (D9400)

An 8 minute overview of 365 days of action packed Rotary