There are certain avenues of learning that lead directly to a dead-end in the age of Artificial Intelligence, and AI itself has alluded to jobs that are at risk of becoming redundant as our dependence on AI grows. After consulting AI on the subject (which I urge you to do in your own time) I can say with an informed measure of optimism, that all of the courses offered at the Mitchells Plain School of Skills (MPSOS) and the jobs that are related to those courses, have a very good chance of remaining viable despite the looming threat of AI.
I recently sat down with Natasha Meyer, Principal of the Mitchells Plain School of Skills, who, together with her team, has been providing a vital source of pride, self-worth and realistic chances of career opportunities for teens who qualify for acceptance into this life-changing institution. It’s worth knowing that there are many similar institutions across the Cape.
“We offer courses in ECD (Early Childhood Development), Motor Mechanics, Hospitality, Hairdressing, Office Administration, Upholstery, General Maintenance and Welding,” says Natasha.
Leading from the front
Natasha holds a BA-HDE (Higher Diploma in Education), B.Ed Psych, M.A Psych (Education Psychology) and comes with a track-record in education that includes teaching all academic subjects, including music and needlework; teaching children with autism; working with a team of professionals at the Lentegeur Psychiatric Hospital in the Adolescent Unit where she helped children suffering from Substance Induced Psychosis. In addition, the fact that she is a genuine empath is glaringly obvious to anyone wondering about the reason why someone would consciously choose a career path like hers.
“For me it’s about making a difference in the lives of our learners. Our communities come with very real consequences of the legacy of apartheid and the ongoing economic apartheid that exists. When you have overcrowded living spaces, absent parents who are working multiple jobs to put food on the table, parents who are battling substance abuse themselves, gangsterism, daily occurrences of murder, rape, GBV and general social dysfunction, the fact that children struggle in the way that some of our children do, should come as no surprise. But, we, as a community, have to step-up and make a difference. The time to play the blame game is over.”
“My team and I make a point of really trying to understand and unpack the root cause of an issue troubling a child. I often take a learner by the hand, and weather-permitting, will go sit outside on a bench and just have a simple non-judgmental chat with them. That often leads to real sharing and gives us a chance to address the issue at its core. However, we have to accept that a lack of resources, time and staff means that we won’t get to everyone in time.”
The reception area at the school bears triumphant testimony to the children who have risen above their circumstances. There are many success stories, like the one recently covered by The Raven Report about Mathew Oliphant, and in future editions I aim to celebrate them as well to be added inspiration to our communities. Wait until you hear the story about the kid who became a technician at Jeep (coming soon).
Natasha joined the Mitchells Plain School of Skills as a counselor in 2008. She became Deputy Principal in 2010, Acting Principal in 2018 and Principal in 2019.
“It’s really been a privilege and an honour to work with our learners and I would choose the School of Skills every time. I do want to say to people reading this that despite the Department of Education’s assistance, the learners would definitely benefit from community sponsorship and funding which would be used to improve their academic environment from an efficiency and safety point of view, as well as improving their overall achievements. In many cases by the time learners arrive at our door they have already exhausted all other avenues, and I believe we have a collective responsibility to be the changes we want to see in our communities.”
Contact the Mitchells Plain School of Skills at natasha.meyer@wcgschools.gov.za
