Promoting Unity Through Diversity

BY: .

UKZN Social Work students hosted a community engagement project to promote diversity and heritage at Wiggins Primary School in Mayville, Cato Manor.

The Unity in Diversity campaign is part of a school-based initiative organised by socially conscious fourth year students, Ms Mennessa Peters and Ms Thobeka Nala.

About 1 000 learners from Grade 1 to Grade 7 attended the event which showcased traditional dance - including Indian dancing, hip hop, contemporary and line dancing - singing, poetry and modeling.

Nala said while she had been impressed by all the performances, she was particularly captivated by the Grade 7 learners who designed and modelled outfits made from recycled items demonstrating their creativity and innovativeness.

She also enjoyed a performance by of one of the poets. ‘As a poet myself, I was blown away by the fact that a young person can deliver such a performance, at such an early age. I was impressed by her voice projection and the way she used the stage.’

Nala would love to work at a primary school once she graduates as she believes she can make a difference in the lives of the learners.

Peters said the most memorable part of the event for her was watching the learners enjoy the day. ‘The highlight was seeing the enthusiasm and excitement of the children. This event was organised for them and their pure happiness was by far the best part,’ said Peters.

Peters echoed Nala’s sentiments on working with children. ‘My plan for the future is to graduate and get a job. I hope to work with children as that’s my passion. Projects such as these make such a huge impact on their lives and I hope to continue with similar ones in the future.’

An academic in the Department of Social Work, Dr Maud Mthembu, who is supervising Peters and Nala, said: ‘The students hope that through such an active engagement with learners, positive self- identities can be nurtured.  This is relevant since most of these learners reside in a community that is associated with social ills such as poverty and violence.

‘The community project is aimed at helping learners participate in healthy activities that can develop positive self-identity through the Arts,’ said Mthembu.

Peters and Nala thanked the following for helping to make the day a success: the principal, staff, teachers and learners of Wiggins Primary; Dr Soobramoney; Bushveld Complex Social Development Organisation (BCSDO); D & H Enterprises; Dance Direction International; Dr Maud Mthembu-Mhlongo; Mac’s Driving School; Miss Heritage finalist Sinenhlanhla Nala and her assistant Xolile Thusi; Nina’s Foods; Sherwood Primary; Ubuciko Poets, and Woolworths-Musgrave.

Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer