SAHETI SCHOOL CELEBRATES NELSON MANDELA INTERNATIONAL DAY
 

Pupils of all ages at SAHETI School embraced the opportunity to celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day by giving of their time and service to improve the lives of others.

“Let us honour Madiba by following his example and demonstrating dignity, forgiveness and service to this land and its people” was the message of the school Chaplain, during a special assembly held on Friday 15 July, attended by pupils and staff.  It was stressed that Mr Mandela not only preached but practiced peace and reconciliation, demonstrating how we can face the future together and create a better world.

On Sunday 17 July, pupils from SAHETI Pre-Primary School visited the Nelson Mandela Foundation to present a card (decorated by the pupils) and a cake (baked by past pupil and award-winning caterer Vicky Crease) for Madiba's birthday. The highlight of the day was a symbolic handover of 220 copies of the children’s version of Nelson Mandela’s “Long Walk to Freedom” as gifts to every Grade 3 and Grade 4 pupil of Bertrams Junior School. This initiative was supported by SAHETI’s Pre-Primary and Playschool parents, facilitated by past pupil Katy Katopodis, EWN’s editor-in-chief and adopted as part of LeadSA.

   
 
 
Primary School pupils spent the early part of Monday morning enthusiastically preparing and packaging sandwiches and juice for the children of the Twilight Centre. Over 500 packages were delivered to this organization to distribute among its satellite charities. Later on, Grade 4 pupils created unique designs on t-shirts, by drawing national symbols and adding their own slogans. These will also be donated to the children of the Twilight Centre. In addition, a group of Grade 7 pupils participated in the visit to the Nelson Mandela Foundation on Sunday 17 July, by entertaining guests with a Zulu praise song “Siphum e’SAHETI” and poem “Halala Mnumzane Madiba” in honour of Madiba. The poem was written by Mrs Sithembile Dubazana, an educator at SAHETI.
 
The High School’s Outreach Committee hosted a group of 26 five year olds from the Nomthandazo Children’s Care Centre, a home which cares for disadvantaged children. Some of these children are HIV positive and many have been orphaned as a result of the AIDS/HIV epidemic. The grounds of SAHETI resounded with the laughter of the children as they were treated to a jumping castle and a magician show. More fun was had with face and nail painting, followed by icing and then eating delectable cupcakes made by the High School learners. The day ended with a scrumptious spread provided by the Outreach Committee and 26 tired little children left with smiles on their faces and love in their hearts, clutching “party packs” that they received as a special treat.
 
 
 

Finally, during the service at our school chapel on Sunday 17 July, the theme of the sermon was relevant to the commemoration of Nelson Mandela International Day. In view of the significance of the day, there was a collection, which will be used for various philanthropic causes.

We observed that pupils of all ages responded selflessly and found their involvement to be a rewarding experience. We will continue to encourage them to give of themselves, not only on this day, but whenever faced with the opportunity to make a difference.