Learners and staff at Pridwin Preparatory School in Melrose celebrated their African heritage on Africa Day.
School marketing manager Demi-Rae Le Roux explained that staff and boys came to school dressed in something that showed their pride in being African, celebrating natural, physical, political, and cultural heritage.
Le Roux said it was a day to celebrate unity as Africans with the school hosting an assembly where African heritage was celebrated through art, poetry, music, dance, and historical narrative and fables.
Le Roux explained that Africa Day celebrates the day on which the Organisation of the African Union was founded (25 May, 1963). “This was a massive step forward for Africa is moving away from imposed colonialism, apartheid and Western rule and towards a continent that faces its challenges using African thinking,” said Le Roux.
“It is supposed to be a day to reflect on the challenges Africa faces as a global environment and the progress Africa has made. The awareness around this way of thinking is so important for all of us at this time and something that is critical for our Pridwin boys to value.”
She explained that the hope was for Pridwin boys to feel a sense of African community spirit and learn more about the journey of the continent.
Le Roux quoted the words of Thabo Mbeki, “I am African. I am born of the peoples of this continent of Africa. Whatever the setbacks of the moment, nothing can stop us now! Whatever the difficulties, Africa shall be at peace! However improbable it may sound to the skeptics, Africa will prosper! Today it feels good to be African!”
Related articles: