Mandela Day in the Junior Prep

“We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference”. Nelson Mandela

These words have inspired many to make a world of difference.  These words emphasise the notion of leaving behind a legacy and speaks to the importance of engaging children in a rich value-based education, where they live with a purpose and display true citizenship for future generations.   As 18 July was looming, we included the celebration of Madiba’s birthday in our Social Justice curriculum.  The curriculum aims to teach children to know and be proud of their heritage, to become active participants in treating others with kindness, love and equality and to make a world of difference to people who are less fortunate than them.

We shared an assembly where kindness was fostered and children were engaged in thinking of a range of acts of kindness that they could participate in, even though we are currently on lockdown.  Children were told about 18 July being Madiba’s birthday. They were told that on this day, firstly, we wanted to put kindness into action, secondly, we must inspire others to be kind and thirdly, to make everyday a Madiba day.  Later in the week we shared Nelson Mandela's life story with our students and discussed the importance of being remembered for something far greater than yourself, by more than your immediate family. The children were engaged during the check-in sessions, discussing the random acts of kindness that they planned and what legacy they would like to leave behind. We thank our community for allowing their children to participate in many acts of kindness and submitting photographs, videos, drawings or story writing to recount what each child contributed.  These moments were captured in an assembly and concluding that the act of kindness should be fostered in our daily lives.

Nelson Mandela believed education is the most powerful weapon one can use to change the world. As Junior Prep educators, we are in an advantageous position as our students are extremely receptive and idolise their teachers. With this comes the responsibility of being mindful of our words and actions, and in being the change we want to see in our world.

Thank you to our students, staff and parent body for your commitment to building a stronger One & All.