In this file photo, Bonteheuwel High School pupils recite a poem in honour of Ahmed Kathrada.
Bonteheuwel High School will run a series of programmes to mark Youth Month in an effort to unite pupils and protect the school from threats of gangsterism and drugs.
The central themes for the month are “Take Back Our School” and “Unite the School Community”.
The school is working with the Cape Cultural Collective and various organisations to prepare for the events, which include a procession; a placard demonstration; a cultural programme; and the screening of Action Kommandant, the story of former Bonteheuwel High pupil and anti-apartheid activist Ashley Kriel. There will be a symbolic tribute to Kriel, who was killed by apartheid police 35 years ago, as well as other generations of freedom fighters.
The cultural programme, on Wednesday June 15, will feature various artists and groups mainly from the school.
The school will be hosting weekly talks by various speakers on a range of topics including understanding diversity, fighting gender-based violence and the challenges of drug abuse and depression.
Principal Nicola Pather said: “These programmes will lay the foundation for ongoing efforts to ensure that the school is a place for quality learning; where anti-social conduct will not be tolerated. We will make efforts to unite all learners in the face of instances where racial intolerance rears its ugly head from time to time.”
Elizabeth Schutter, from the Cape Cultural Collective, said: “The arts have the power to unite and encourage positive actions.”
Bonteheuwel Walking Ladies, the Amy Foundation, Beitulmaal and the Ashley Kriel Skills Development Centre will also be taking part.