About a year ago, I found out that I would be living in
Soweto.
Naturally, as soon as I heard, I did as much research as
possible on the area in preparation for my YAGM year. Nearly everywhere I
looked, I saw mention of the Soweto Uprising. I saw it described as the
beginning of the end of Apartheid, a critical piece in the struggle, the first
time the next generation became involved, and more. It became clear that the
events of June 16, 1976 will forever be etched into the history of South
Africa.
For the past 38 years, South Africans and others around the
world have celebrated, cherished, and remembered this day. Today, June 16th,
is a public holiday known as Youth Day.
I have always had a love of children. I grew up with a
preschool teacher as a mom, two younger brothers, and countless babysitting
jobs. In college, I spent a semester as an Elementary Education major and
coached elementary students in gymnastics. While here in South Africa, I spend
a majority of each day with kids ranging in age from 7 months old to 20 years
old. Basically, I love kids and youth.
Now, after hearing more about June 16 and spending all day
with some of my favorite high school students in the world, I not only love
kids but have a deep and profound respect for them.
First of all, my respect and admiration for the students
involved in the Soweto Uprising is through the roof. At the age of 13, I was
much more worried about my hair and what boys were saying about me than the
political climate of my country. I realize that the political situation in
Soweto in 1976 was a little more intense than Minnesota in 2004, but I still
don’t think I would have had the courage or ambition to do what those amazing
students did.
Apart from my respect for the 1976 participants, I am beyond
proud of and grateful for the OVC After-School Programme students who played a
huge role in the success of the events today. The Oldest Group sang three
songs, including one that they chose and practiced on their own. The Middle
Group sang three songs and performed a dance, despite the fact that the sound
system stopped working. The Youngest Group sang a song completely in English.
All of the children respectfully listened to guest speakers and marched proudly
through the streets of Soweto.
The courage, ambition, creativity, and energy of these kids
is astounding. I am constantly blown away by their desire to learn, their
ability to face challenges, and their overall joy and excitement for life.
In my opinion, the Soweto students of 1976 left a legacy
that is being carried on and continued by the Soweto students of 2014.
P.S. If you want more information about the Soweto Uprising
of June 16, 1976, check out these links:
Sounds like an awesome day. This is amazing and to think I was 12 in 1976 makes it hit home even more. I remember being very naive and unsure of myself. Those kids, who are actually my peers, did so much for others and even more importantly, for the future...I was definitely more self-centered. Pretty eye-opening!
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