OPINION - It is a beautiful Monday morning (10 November) and I am on my way to Great Brak River Primary School to do a motivational talk with the learners.
The principal thought the timing was perfect as it was just in time for the exams that would be starting soon.
On my walk to school, I hear the sounds of playful cheers and laughter of exciting schoolmates who cannot wait to share news about their doings over the weekend.
I remember the mornings my friend and I used to walk to the same school - what a full-circle moment! I look at the buildings and structures and notice a lot of changes since the time I was a scholar here.
I am welcomed by the principal and teachers at reception. The bell rings - ah, the nostalgia of my friends and I running to class or running to wait first in line.
On my way to the hall, I see one of my schoolmates (with whom I matriculated), Havean Meyer. He is also due to speak to the learners. Havean gives his presentation first while I assist with changing his slides. It feels like the times we had to do oral, or in Afrikaans, as they would say, mondeling, in front of the whole class.
Lluyle Arendse hands over his poetry anthology, Unspoken, to Great Brak Primary School's head girl, Ariel Pick. The anthology is Arendse's gift to the school. Photo: Supplied
Finally it is my turn to speak. The hall is awkwardly silent as I walk to the stage. I start off by saying: "Ek het ook eens op 'n tyd soos julle daar gesit waar julle vandag sit. Ek het altyd 'n droom gehad, vandag het ek dit bereik."
I speak about protecting their dreams at all costs and to stay focused in school.
I finish off by gifting the school my anthology to display so the children can see it daily and be inspired by everything I accomplished as a former learner of Great Brak River Primary School.
Lluyle Arendse is an author, poet, facilitator and entrepreneur from Great Brak River, known for his work in poetry focusing on mental health awareness and community empowerment. He self-published his debut poetry anthology, Unspoken, in 2021. He recently won the young and innovative artist award at the 2025 Western Cape Cultural Affairs Awards.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Group Editors and its publications.
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