Crime would be reduced in Alex if the youth were taught their rights and responsibilities which are enshrined in the country’s Constitution while they were still at school.
This was said by aspirant lawyer, Lehlohonolo Mako, a former Realogile Secondary School student, during a moot court competition facilitated by ENSafrica at the Joburg High Court.
The annual event was attended by children from 40 provincial schools including Minerva Secondary School and Alexandra High School. Mako has represented Alex in the programme since its inception in 2014.
The rampant crime in the suburb includes murder, rape, assault and robbery and is the main reason why many residents fear to venture out of their homes, especially at night. Mako said crime would decrease if children were taught the importance of human rights at school. He added that knowledge of the Constitution would also encourage them to seek and commit to further education as a right for their own self-development. He condemned school and community protests which interrupt teaching and learning and the destruction of property meant for the public good and area development.
ENSafrica’s Ngwako Raboshakga said the initiative which culminates in national competitions, taught children to be morally forthright individuals who respect others.
“It’s a people’s development programme which transforms and prepares our children for an international worldview beyond Alex through knowledge of the supreme law and concepts of rights and wrongs. It will make them deep thinkers, able to apply the power of reasoning in their daily lives,” he said. This he added would be achieved in greater numbers if the government included the Constitution and democracy education in the school curriculum.
The programme starts in April and May with 40 participants chosen from pupils interested in the legal profession. They are exposed to legal concepts, guided in formulating legal arguments and taught to engage in law-style court debates while they have to submit essays on legal topics. Those who excel are invited to the provincial competition en-route to the national one where they do presentations before judges.
The winners receive bursaries for tertiary study in law. Mako and Raboshakga commended the programme which has earned several former local participants bursaries.
Details: ENSAfrica Law Firm 011 269 7600
