GALLERY: Starry, starry winter night

The King David Victory Park SleepOut™ Under the Stars on 18 June was a roaring success. Although the temperatures were icy, the atmosphere was warm and jovial.

Inspired by the 702 Sun International CEO SleepOut™ , Grade 7 students, teachers and principals braved the harsh winter elements and slept outdoors to help raise awareness of the plight of homeless youth. Every student, regardless of whether they were participating or not, was asked to bring a blanket to donate to Girls’ and Boys’ Town. These will be distributed to children living on the streets.

After a movie screening, hot chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and the charging of electronic devices for a long night ahead, everyone gathered round the campfire in the quadrangle, before bunking down in draughty corridors till sunup. Makeshift beds consisted of cardboard boxes, yoga mats, camping mattresses, sleeping bags and blankets. Although campus security had been increased for the event, potential mischief-making students were warned that it was not safe not to wander round the school grounds in the dark.

“Although the night will be fun, it’s not all fun and games,” said Rabbi Ricky Seeff, principal of King David Victory Park Primary School during his welcome speech. “This is a taste of the real South Africa. This is how many, too many, South Africans have to sleep. Not one night of the year, but every single night. It is an honour for us to be able to inculcate in our relatively privileged community just how fortunate we really are, and how grateful we should be, to have a roof over our head, a warm bed to sleep in, and food in our bellies.”

Rabbi Craig Kacev, Director of the South African Board of Jewish Education (SABJE), was there to offer words of encouragement to all the participants.

Details: Girls and Boys Town

Details: King David Victory Park

Details: 702 Sun International CEO SleepOut™