Following the launch at Cornwall Hill College, friends of the family insisted on having a launch in the hometown of Paul Charles, the father of Leandra Charles. Paul Charles has inspired many parents, children and civil servants in his hometown and the laugh was held in a hall next to the last school he matriculated from (he attended 13 schools), in a nearby hall.
Resilient Learning: The Way Forward
On Thursday evening, July 20, 2017, Leandra Macy Charles launched her first book: Resilient Learning in Verulam, her hometown.
Dr BP Singh, the guest speaker for the event, Author of “When the Chalk is Down” and advocate for Education and writing in KwaZulu Natal remarked: “The book is phenomenal and is of great social and educational value and it is across the spectrum not just for the school child or the teacher but to every parent who is going to have a child in school.” He made it clear that Leandra answered the question “How to improve Matric results?” This question is repeated year after year by politicians and Leandra answered it with a simple response that is phenomenal.
Leandra matriculated with six distinctions seven months ago, and shares her secrets of academic success in her book, written with her father Paul Charles. The Book Launch was attended by family, friends, teachers and members of the community.
In her speech, Leandra highlighted: “If you want to be successful, you must first think that you are successful, from that point and towards that point. When the outcome is decided, the process merely becomes a means to a pre-determined end. That is how the resilient think and act. As a student, it means that you get to choose your grade before you earn it. This is not positive thinking – this is pro-active thinking.”
The audience were amazed the relevance of her comments when she continued: “I stand on the shoulders of a great soul when I advocate Resilient Learning. Nelson Mandela, the father of our democratic nation, In His Own Words said: “A bright future beckons. The onus is on us, through hard work, honesty and integrity, to reach for the stars.” Nelson Mandela sent a strong message that it is not where you start but how high you aim that matters for success. It is in that same spirit that I believe that every learner can pass, that every learner can do better and that every learner has a right to pass with excellence.”
It is a breath of fresh air to know that a young woman (18 years old) has taken the pro-active initiative to provide a solution to a problem and concern that resurfaces every year. A definite must for every learner and parent.