At 8:00 A.M., staff and scholars at Nelson Mandela Elementary assemble to cite a mantra. It states,
“Education is the most powerful weapon that you can use to change the world…I will change the world with my hope, strength, service, unity, peace and wisdom.”
The first half of the mantra contains famous words spoken by Nelson Mandela. The second half was created by the Mandela team to inspire scholars to recognize their own power and give them tools to make positive change in the world. Scholars cite the mantra with physical actions to help with memory and unite the body and mind—a powerful combination that prepares the scholars for a day of inspired learning.
Team members at Mandela believe in a holistic education, in which scholars not only learn math, reading, writing, etc. but also skills that teach them to be the best versions of themselves. As Martin Luther King Jr., who is celebrated this month, said, “Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.”
Therefore, the mantra is paired with a weekly Social Emotional Lesson (SEL) that targets one of the six values stated in the mantra. Using Sanford Harmony curriculum, scholars work with our Family Support Coordinator, Monica Wells, and partake in different activities that help them understand these values.
Scholars who demonstrate the mantra value for the week are awarded and recognized at the morning assembly. They get their picture taken, are honored in the weekly newsletter, and set a good example for the other scholars.
The lessons aren’t completed for certificates alone; the scholars are encouraged to live them every day. In doing so, they prepare themselves for future careers in a world filled with challenges.
This month, Martin Luther King Jr. is honored. Every day, Nelson Mandela Elementary honors Nelson Mandela. Both leaders remind the scholars that they can change the world with their hope, strength, service, unity, peace, and wisdom.