Children educated on significance of June 16

CHILDREN in Lerato Park were treated to a movie and history lesson on Youth Day, when the Bancedeni Ngabantu, a non-profit organisation working (NPO) in the area, educated them on the significance of of the day.

The spokesperson for the organisation, Lydia Botlhaboile, said the purpose of Friday’s event was to teach children about the struggles that the youth of 1976 encountered.

“The youth of today do not understand why June 16 is commemorated annually.

“Some of them think it is just a mere day off from school.

“Our community members have also forgotten the significance of the day and many spend it drinking and partying.

“We saw a need to educate the children about what really happened on this day in 1976 and why we should pay tribute to those who lost their lives for the freedom we get to enjoy today. By doing this we will show that their struggle was not in vain,” said Botlhaboile.

She said that the children were treated to a movie and a meal, which the women funded from their own pockets.

“We played the movie Sarafina to the children, whereafter we had an educational session where we made them aware of how black people suffered under the apartheid regime and what freedom we can now enjoy as a rainbow nation. We managed to raise about R1 000, which we used to buy food to cook for the children as well as party packs.”

Botlhaboile added that they hope to turn the event into an annual affair.

“We would like to see the event grow bigger and stronger. We are already, however, also planning an event for Mandela Day which will be July 18. It is very important that we highlight such days as our children need to know their history no matter how painful it may be,” she said.