After the very successful Grade 6 IEC Elections held by the Crawford Preparatory Sandton schoolchildren last term, the worthy winners were announced at a recent assembly.
Getrude Raduvha from the IEC declared the elections free and fair and complimented the school on the high standard of work produced.
Shirley Gray, Grade 6 teacher at Crawford Preparatory said, “The elections were held to broaden the Grade 6 pupils’ knowledge and understanding of how important their vote is. It is part of the curriculum that focuses on democracy and citizenship and makes their learning real and relevant.”
Gray said the IEC was asked to oversee the elections and they brought IEC officials to help register the children, ink their thumbs and hand out ballot papers.
“The auditorium is set up exactly like a polling station and any pupils who do not bring their library cards are unfortunately not allowed to vote,” said Gray.
The children were tasked with forming a ‘school party’ similar to a political party. They had to choose a party name, slogan and party colours, then design a party poster that was displayed in the classroom.
“Next they had to make up a speech telling their voters two things that they love about their school and two things that they would like to include, change, refine or add to the school.”
Gray said the party from each class with the most number of votes was then asked to go on an election campaign for the Grade 6 IEC Elections 2017.
“Each party was required to present their ideas to all the Grade 5 and 6 pupils who then had an opportunity, under the watchful eye of the IEC officials, to make an informed decision as to who they wanted to vote for.
“The IEC set up voting booths, had an authentic voting box and allowed the pupils to experience first-hand what voting is all about at their very own polling station.”
The 2017 winners were the VMCKS, Voices Make Crawford Kids Stronger, represented by Veerzar Bhana, Katherine Leeming, Caitlin Levien and Muhammad Timol.
Gray said she was so proud of each and every one of the pupils and hopes that they continue to realise the power of their vote.
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