A part of our being

IElinor Sisulu think for us, Heritage Day is a continuation of what we do all the time ‒ ask the question, how far does children’s literature reflect our heritage?

Our children are getting an education that seeks to fit them into a particular mould rather than recognise their own experiences and cultural identity.

That leads to alienation ‒ one of the contributors to the current student crisis and the reason why many students have no sense of belonging to the institution where they are studying.

Heritage is not just some kind of esoteric thing you can experience over a day. It's part of our being.

Grahamstown has a deep role to play in recognising cultural identity because of the National Arts Festival, which must promote it and make it into a living thing.

Writers and artists are all part of a living heritage and their ability to work and create is important.

I reflect on whether we are creators or consumers.

As members of a globalised society, we shouldn't only consume products from others ‒ we should be also creating our own.

So yes ‒ Heritage Day for me means continuing our ongoing work and affirming that what we do is important. •Award-winningwriterand humanrightsactivist,Elinor Sisuluisthefounderofthe PukuChildren’sLiterature Foundation.ThePukuStory Festivalwilltakeplaceinand aroundGrahamstownfrom

20-26February2017.