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Author: Rorisang Mhlaba (Primary School Principal )

Personal reflection

Growing up, I often felt like my voice didn’t matter.

I was a quiet child, not because I lacked ideas or curiosity, but because I didn’t feel heard. In classrooms, at family gatherings, even among friends, I hesitated to speak up. I worried that my words wouldn’t be valued. That silence followed me into adulthood, showing up as anxiety in meetings, hesitation in conversations, and a lingering doubt about whether what I had to say was important.

It took years of unlearning to realise that my voice does matter. And even more time to understand that the ability to speak up and be heard is not just a skill, but a right. A right that every child should grow up knowing they have.

The power of listening

Listening is not a passive act. It is powerful. It is transformative. It is the foundation of empathy, understanding, and growth. When students feel heard, they don’t just feel better emotionally; they perform better academically.

Research on listening and engagement

Studies show that students who feel listened to are more likely to be engaged in their learning. According to a Gallup survey, students who strongly agree that their teachers make them feel cared for are almost twice as likely to say they are motivated to do well in school. Another study found that when students believe their opinions are valued, they show higher levels of classroom participation and academic achievement.

Listening starts at home

This kind of connection doesn’t only happen in schools; it begins at home. When parents and caregivers make time for meaningful conversations, children learn that their thoughts matter. Even simple moments like asking about their day, listening without interrupting, and acknowledging their feelings can build trust and confidence. Children thrive when they know they are being heard, and that sense of validation helps them become more expressive, more resilient, and more willing to engage with the world around them.

Encouraging expression and emotional intelligence

Encouraging children to express themselves through storytelling, drawing, or journaling can also help them process their thoughts and emotions. And when adults model good listening by being present, making eye contact, and responding thoughtfully, children learn to do the same. These everyday habits create a foundation for strong communication skills and emotional intelligence, both of which are essential for success in school and beyond.

Empowerment through listening

Listening empowers children. It builds confidence. It nurtures resilience. And it lays the foundation for lifelong learning.

In today’s world, where young people face unprecedented pressures and distractions, the simple act of being heard can be revolutionary. It tells them: you matter. Your thoughts matter. Your voice matters.

Make sure istening is not an afterthought

Let us continue to build homes, classrooms, and communities where listening is not an afterthought, but a cornerstone. Because when we listen, we don’t just educate - we elevate.

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