Head Leader. Like previous years, Schools That Rock interviewed Head Leaders of High Schools in South Africa. Today’s candidate interviewed is Olerato Mokonoto from Curro Academy Clayville.
Olerato, tell us more about yourself and your leadership? What is your leadership experience?
- My name is Olerato Mokonoto. I am a good communicator and an amazing listener. I am also a great team worker and a responsible and reliable young lady. My leadership not only stands with management but it also stands with motivation. A leader that only goes by management fails to understand their followers.
What are your personal goals for this year?
- My goals are to make sure that not only do I welcome all the learners but also for them to feel at home when they are at school and to know and to feel comfortable to always approach me as a leader with confidence and pride.
Tell us about your goals for your school for your term of service?
- For the learners to understand that bullying is not only bad but as a bully it ruins your image. Bullying can affect everyone who is bullied, those who bully, and those who witness bullying.
What were the biggest challenges you experienced as a learner of your school?
- Being surrounded by learners that find it hard to communicate to leaders because we have had past leaders who never listened to their followers which led to the learners not being comfortable to trust their leaders.
What stands out most to you at Curro Academy Clayville.?
- My fellow schoolmates, because nothing creates an environment of welcome like diversity all these different characters built our image as Curro Academy Clayville.
Who do you look up to for inspiration or mentorship?
- Nelson Mandela
You’re a kitchen article? What are you and why?
- A kitchen utensil that best describes a leader is a chef’s knife. Just as a chef’s knife is versatile and essential in the kitchen, I am also adaptable and able to handle a variety of situations. The edge of a chef’s knife needs to be finely honed, just as a leader should possess a sharp, clear vision and focus. Additionally, like a chef’s knife, a leader also needs to be reliable and capable, serving as a tool for the success of my team and my school.
How would your friends describe you?
- They would describe me as an individual who is loving and caring and also independent but a team player because what is a leader without followers. They would also describe me as a person who knows when it’s time to play and be serious.
Olerato, what motivates you to achieve your goals?
- The urge to want to help people in need but not having the power because of the lack of finances to do so.
Why would you advise learners to also become part of your school?
- If they want to see change they should also join us leaders into creating that change, working with us to create an environment where they will feel free and feel welcomed and at home.
Who is your favourite teacher and why?
- Mr TK Mutikizizi. He is very strict, but him being strict motivates me and encourages me to be tough on myself and never let myself down.
What are your future goals?
- I am not only a photographer but the love I have for film production is extraordinary and unique. I would like to become a film producer and director but also photograph the different wonders of the amazing planet earth.
More school news: https://schoolsthatrock.co.za https://curro.co.za
Photo supplied