Strategy for the implementation and enhancement of a personal self

Life orientation

Grade 7

Personal development

Module 10

Strategy for the implementation and enhancement of a personal self-image and that of others by means of a positive approach

Activity 1:

To answer questions after having read a newspaper article

[lo 3.1]

Individual assignment

1. Carefully read through the following (translated) newspaper report:

SA Swimmer In Queen’s Jubilee Album

LONDON - The Cape swimmer Natalie du Toit is mentioned in an official commemorative publication for Queen Elizabeth’s golden jubilee as a young person in whom the “spirit of the future” is manifested.

The 18-year old Natalie, a national swimming champion, lost her leg in a motorcycle accident in Cape Town last year while she was training for the Olympic Games in 2004. She is still determined to win an Olympic medal.

She is one of only eight young people from altogether 54 Commonwealth countries who were singled out to feature in this glossy publication. According to Buckingham Palace these youths managed to “overcome obstacles and inspire others”.

Special mention is also made of the Johannesburg child aids activist, the 12-year old Nkosi Johnson, who died of aids in June last year.

According to the editor, Gaythorne Silvester, Natalie was chosen from thousands of youths of the Commonwealth countries because of “the exceptional way in which she reacted to a challenge that crossed her path”.

“Natalie is somebody who exemplifies the spirit of the future. We were immediately captivated when we heard of her brave story via the British Council in South Africa,” the editor explained.

Translated from Die Burger , 1 May 2002

Answer the following questions on a separate piece of paper:

• Name at least three positive character traits of Natalie’s personality.
• What do you think you would have done under similar circumstances?
• What big hardships have made life difficult for you?
• How did you deal with those hardships?
• Name one other person in your family, school or community who you also regard as an exceptional example to others.
• The queen writes that the “spirit of the future” is manifested in Natalie’s life. What does that actually mean?
• Which positive attributes would you like to see manifesting in yourself and fellow South-Africans to become part of the “spirit of the future?”
• If you should encounter a serious setback, what will you do to overcome it?
• How can you support others with problems or physical disabilities to help them overcome their setbacks?
• If you were to prepare a commemorative publication about young people who had overcome setbacks and thereby inspired others, who would you select and why?

Activity 2:

To compile a document to commemorate young people who are examples to others

[lo 3.1]

Group assignment

Compile a commemorative publication on eight young people who, like Natalie du Toit, had overcome personal setbacks and set an example to other South-Africans.

Assessment