June 16, 1976: Youth taken back into history
The purpose of the trip was to educate them about what truly transpired that fateful day on June 16, 1976, including what led to the Afrikaans language being dealt away with as a language of teaching in schools.
A group of young people from the Olerato Youth Development NPC recently observed Youth Month by visiting the Hector Pieterson Memorial Museum in Soweto.
The purpose of the trip was to educate them about what truly transpired that fateful day on June 16, 1976, including what led to the Afrikaans language being dealt away with as a language of teaching in schools. According to the founder of the NPC, Nokuthula Radebe, she wanted to remind the youth of the importance of June 16.
“South Africa has come a long way in attaining its freedom and I believe that all that rich history should not go to waste. That’s why I initiated the trip. I wanted to remind the young people on our team that a lot of people lost their lives on the iconic day. I also wanted them to see that the freedom and education system we enjoy today were not easily attained,” Nokuthula said.
She added that the tour was also an effort to ensure young people are kept off the streets and discouraged from celebrating the month by going to parks and engaging in public drinking.
Meanwhile, Finsbury resident and Grade 7 learner at Avantè Primary School, Asanda Mabena was one of the group of learners who went on the trip and shared what she learnt on the day.
“I learnt a lot about the young souls, Hector Pieterson that stood up against the cruel apartheid regime, including Hector Pieterson.
“Today, the winds of change still whisper Hector Pieterson’s name through the museum and this place is a symbol of perseverance. It reminds us that heroes can emerge when united,” Asanda said.
The group of learners from the NPC consists of dancers who also went to Mandela Street in the area, and danced for the locals, to showcase their talents.
