The Umphakatsi leg that focuses on Motivational Speaking was invited by the school to provide words of encouragement to the Grade 12 learners. Compared to the 35% achieved last year  the school managed to improve the pass rate by 10% an overwhelming 45% as reported by the Head of School - Mr Nobela. 'Cooperation between learners, educators and interested community structures such as Umphakatsi has led to the improvement' ascertains Mr Nobela. The  motivational speaking project is an arm of the Umphakatsi project, founded by a former student of  Ekulindeni High School - Sarah Motha.  Ms Motha is now a researcher and activist who uses her experience on participatory methods and research to capacitate young learners such as those of Ekulindeni village, South East of Mpumalanga Province South Africa where she comes from. For more information on the Motivational Speaking Project you can see the link on Projects on the home page.