Westonaria Library celebrates World Hello Day

World Hello Day was begun in response to the conflict between Egypt and Israel in the Fall of 1973. Since then, World Hello Day has been observed by people in 180 countries.

In the light of the riots in and around the communities of Westonaria grade 7 pupils from Venterspost Primary also decided to join in this global effort to bring about better understanding between people from different backgrounds within our community.

People around the world use the occasion of World Hello Day as an opportunity to express their concern for world peace.

Beginning with a simple greeting on World Hello Day, their activities send a message to leaders, encouraging them to use communication rather than force to settle conflicts.

By means of poetry the grade 7 pupils penned their own concerns around their future down and despite the increasing pessimism among local youth it is still clear that they find much reason to celebrate their youth.

Lina Vogel, Head of the Language Department at Venterspost Primary had the following to said the fact that our pupils requested Westonaria Library to run this competition clearly indicates that there is a desire among our youth to be heard.

All the entrees were of a very high standard and once again Venterspost Primary School could count on the support of Westonaria Library and specifically that of Righardt le Roux.

Not only excellent prizes were handed over, but Righardt also ensured that top quality, objective judges were involved in selecting the overall winner of this competition. The winner was Karabo Madumo.

On hearing Karabo was the winner Lina responded: “She is fully deserving as overall winner as she is a passionate, hardworking, sensitive person. It is my hope that she will continue carrying on writing and continue to be a star person.”

As a global event World Hello Day joins local participation in a global expression of peace.

According to Righardt, 11 entrees from the school was sent to Word and Sound, a platform for established poets in and around Johannesburg to choose the overall winner of these youngsters who see the value of World Hello Day as an occasion for preserving peace and as an occasion that makes it possible for anyone in the world to contribute to the process of creating peace.

In his feedback to the pupils work, poet Mpho Khosi said that if we nature these kids, who at the age of 12 are writing such beautiful pieces, then we as a country are surely blessed for the coming times.

Betsie Jacobs, acting deputy principal was also overjoyed and said that since grade 1, Karabo proved to be a committed pupil.

“She is competitive and sets high goals for herself and now her hard work has paid off and was not in vain. We look forward to her future achievements, says Betsie.