Learners of change host sleep-out
TWO Chatsworth boys are planning on hosting a sleep-out at the Nelson Mandela Community Youth Centre to spread the message of positive social change.
Maheshan Naicker and Keenan Pather, both 12 and pupils at Moorton Heights Primary School, were recently part of the Nelson Mandela School SleepOut at at Lilieslief Farm in Rivonia, Joburg.
The farm was secretly used by ANC activists in the 1960s and was where many prominent party leaders were arrested, leading to the Rivonia Trial.
It is now a museum and heritage site.
The event was held as part of the activities around the 100th birthday anniversary of Nelson Mandela.
Maheshan and Keenan had submitted motivations to the event organisers with one describing his leadership experience and the other defining what a leader is.
They said the boot camp programme was a learning experience in more ways than one.
Not only did they connect with history but sleeping on cardboard had taught them the hardships the less fortunate faced, allowing them to gain empathy for the homeless.
“The sleeping arrangement was a piece of cardboard and a blanket, which we put our sleeping bags on. They said we had to be dressed in warm clothing and they did not give us a pillow,” said Keenan.
“The experience of sleeping out in the cold was a memorable one. Firstly, it teaches us how disadvantaged people sleep out in the cold. The temperature was extremely low, below zero degree. When I woke up in the morning there was actually frost on my sleeping bag.”
Said Maheshan: “My favourite part was when they took us on a tour of Liliesleaf. We went around the museum and we were shown where Nelson Mandela would hide and have meetings.”
The boys, who have now been labelled “agents and learners of change”, are planning on hosting their own sleep-out at the Nelson Mandela Chatsworth Youth Centre on August 4.
Maheshan said they intended having a camp fire, a sing-along and projector for a movie night.
The sleep-out is open to pupils aged 9 to 18, who will be required to register to attend. For enquiries, contact the programme co-ordinator, Clive Pillay, on 061 429 2574.