“Tranquillity is a vital utensil to better the performance of learners in schools and in life generally hence we introduced Peace Human Rights and Anti-Racism Education (PHARE) to assist learners and teachers to acquire knowledge, skills and positive attitudes so that they can facilitate PHARE in their schools and communities,” said Mhlangabezi Mbethe, Provincial Coordinator of School Safety.
Mbethe was addressing about 33 delegates from Cofimvaba schools gathered at a PHARE workshop held at Burning Bush Christian School in East London from the 31 October to 1 November 2009. He said the Eastern Cape Department of Education aim was to remove all barriers in schools such as crime, drugs and racism.
Peace Educator from Masixole Senior Secondary School, Thibeka Sotyifa, passionately clarified the objectives of the workshop as aimed to:
* promote the culture of peace, anti-racism and democracy in schools and in communities
* inculcate values and attitudes that promote self-worth and respect for others
* understand human dignity and leadership importance
* equip students about the dangers of drug usage
* promote sense of respect amongst teachers and fellow students
* also to restore humanity
A moment of sadness was written on attendant’s faces as learners gave testimonies of their daily challenges, but dexterity used by Sotyifa ended the workshop with smile, hope, focus and confidence to learners. Sharing sentiments about peace education, Bandile Tsewu, peace educator from Mazibuko Senior Secondary School disclosed that his learners were part of the workshop.
“I am very happy that Eastern Cape Department of Education initiated this programme and I believe it will improve the safety of schools and enhance effective learning,” said Tsewu.
Furthermore he urged learners to form peace clubs at their respective schools in order to take the lead in making schools and communities a peaceful environment.
Issued by: Department of Education, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
5 November 2009
Source: Department of Education, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
(http://www.ecdoe.gov.za/)
