GALLERY: School commemorates Youth Day

Roosevelt High School arranged a special assembly for their students on 12 June.

The purpose of the special assembly was to commemorate the upcoming Youth Day celebrations taking place on 16 June.

Pupils gathered around the assembly block, where a presentation was given about the history and relevance of Youth Day.

Educator at the school Marcos Diaz believes that the assembly served as a wonderful opportunity for staff and pupils to remember the true meaning of Youth Day. “The school always tries to educate the pupils on the importance of public holidays, and why we have them. This year the school decided to do something nice for the pupils by giving them an opportunity to learn more about the history of what happened during the Soweto uprising of 1976,” he said.

The uprising involved a wave of protests that ran across South Africa which became known as the Soweto uprising of 1976. It came in response to multiple issues with the Bantu Education Act and the Government Edict in 1974 which included that Afrikaans be used as medium of instruction for certain subjects in black schools.

Diaz explained that the pupils were very positive and optimistic about the purpose of the special assembly. “The pupils handled the presentation and demonstration very well. They were very supportive in learning more about the history and significance that this day has for everyone living in South Africa,” he said.

Bubbles were blown by attending pupils and staff members as a sign of remembrance of those who fought during the Soweto uprising of 1976.

Co-deputy principal at Roosevelt High Henk Ferreira was impressed with the positive participation from pupils and staff members. “I think it is very important for schools to make pupils aware of the meaning of Youth Day, apart from the fact that it is considered a public holiday. Because it is an crucial part of their heritage,” he said.

Details: Roosevelt High School 011 782 4937.