Promoting peace in schools
First prize winners, Buren High School, with Dr Bettye Walker, front right.
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Seapoint High School came in second place
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Parklands College pupils came in 3rd place; from left, Teacher Carine le Roux; Naeha Naidu; Wanganae Masindi; Connor Niske; Dr Bettye Walker
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The Blouberg Rotary Club recently hosted a “Peace in Schools” event, bringing together pupils, teachers, and community members in a shared spirit of harmony and understanding.
The event, organised by the Blouberg Rotary Club with support from Dr Bettye Walker of the Downtown Los Angeles Rotary Club and honorary Blouberg member, encouraged pupils from several high schools to explore and express the meaning of peace in South Africa’s 12 official languages.
Blouberg Rotarian Helène Visser said pupils from Buren High, Sea Point High, Parklands College, and Milnerton High were invited to present their interpretations through creative displays such as videos, posters, banners, and flags.
The initiative was inspired by an earlier project launched by Dr Walker, who donated Peace Club umbrellas featuring the word “peace” written in 100 different languages — a symbol of unity across cultures.
Each participating school was asked to showcase its unique vision of peace, said Ms Visser.
Buren High School took first place, earning the top Peace Trophy. Sea Point High placed second, Parklands College came third, and Milnerton High secured fourth place.
The event, held in the Buren High School auditorium, drew an enthusiastic audience of pupils, parents, Rotarians, and residents, she said.
A raffle during the evening also helped raise funds for future Rotary community projects.
Milnerton High School came in at fourth position; from left, seated at the back are Hannah Mashazi; Annabella Gizi; and Favour Mensah. In front are, Teacher Mrs A Snyman; Uyabulela Dingayo; Pierre de Wet; and Dr Bettye Walker
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