The safety of Riverdale Primary School could be improved thanks to Thalente Hlubi (15), Olwethu Mdakane (14) and Mbali Sthole (15).
VIP transport was sent to take the learners to the Provincial Legislature Building in Pietermaritzburg on December 2. Also members of the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), educator Mrs Gamede signed them up before which she was also invited as a delegate.
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After registration and socialising over lunch, these learners got to meet the founder of SAIIA. They were treated to a tour of the buildings and stayed at the Southern Sun Hotel.
December 3 was the nerve-wracking but exciting day, with a debate themed ‘Improving Safety In Schools’.
Various ministers listened in on the debate, with 16 schools taking part and Riverdale Primary being the only one from the district present.
The learners had to also interview various stakeholders such as police, the principal, the municipality, social development and education officials. This helped the learners create a basis from which to argue during the debate.
In September this year, these learners also participated in a debate on the topic of ‘Indigenous Languages’ at Wits University, at which delegates attended from Northern Island and the United Kingdom.
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The learners said in unison that the experience was amazing and that they enjoyed meeting new people, as well as representing their school. They won the ‘Best Speaker First Place Award’. Some of the points raised were theft at the school, which has been without security since 2015, causing disturbances in teaching, learning and even the school budget. One of the many other things mentioned was that the school is based in a rural area, making it a target for criminals. The learners requested visible policing and patrols. The trio brought up challenges and solutions.
They wish to thank Unyaka Wako Youth Ambassador Namuthula Mukelabai for her efforts in assisting the team.
Thanks also go to those who assisted in making the two-day trip possible.
If you are interested in signing up to SAIIA, contact Mrs Gamede on 082-719-5136.
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