Promoting democracy at schools
This week will see pupils all over Zululand celebrating Democracy In Schools Week.
LEARNING about democracy is what Zululand pupils will be doing this week after the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the Department of Education reached an agreement that this week be set aside for the celebration of democracy in schools.
The IEC and the Department of Education (uThungulu District) launched the Schools Democracy Week on Monday at Emankwathini Primary School and involved the Grade 7 pupils.
The activity for the day was ‘Children’s Parliament’ and the theme for discussion was Rights and Responsibilities as stipulated on the Constitution of South Africa.
Speaking on behalf of the Department of Education, Mr Nhlabathi said, ‘As a department, we selected five schools to be visited by department and IEC officials.
‘Although only five schools will be visited, all the schools in the district are celebrating Schools Democracy Week.
District Manager for the IEC Stella Dlamini said, ‘I am impressed by the participation of learners during this session.
‘For me this is an indication that by the time you reach the voting age, you will be ready to vote since you understand your rights.’
The session was attended by Phindile Miya from Oxford University Press who, after listening to pupils’ presentations, committed to working closely with the school in helping pupils improve their proficiency in English.
The four other schools to be visited during the week are AmaZondi Secondary School in Nkandla, Emkhindini Primary School in Melmoth, eShowe High School and Nkosithandile High School in Ntambanana.
