Learners champion kindness and caring

Learners champion kindness and caring

22 May 2026

May marked Positive Behaviour Month and this year the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) actively promoted kindness and caring as practical methods to cultivate nurturing, inclusive and resilient school communities.

Now in its sixth year, the initiative promotes positive discipline through a values-based approach.

Media personality Carl Wastie served as the official ambassador for the 2026 campaign, encouraging learners, teachers and parents to share acts of kindness using #BeKindWC and #BeCaringWC.

Schools across the province have embraced the challenge, producing creative short videos that show meaningful acts of care, empathy and support.

Education district offices were encouraged to commemorate Positive Behaviour Day, celebrated annually on 17 May, through their own Positive Behaviour Day events.

A highlight of these was the event on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, hosted at the Positive Behaviour Intervention and Resource Centre (PBIRC) in Wynberg. This vibrant gathering brought together 15 schools and 170 participants.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr Nadeen Moolla, Chief Director for Inclusive Education, who emphasise that kindness must be actively nurtured and intentionally taught from an early age. She reinforced that respect and empathy are foundational to building strong school communities.

Adding a powerful emotional dimension to the day was the inspirational story shared by Imtiyaaz Schultz, a former PBIRC learner. Now a 19-year-old professional track cyclist, Imtiyaaz reflected on his journey from challenging circumstances to sporting excellence. His story stood as a living example of how positive behavioural support can truly change life trajectories.

Positive Behaviour Month continues to gain momentum, helping to create school environments where kindness is both taught and lived.