At the award ceremony for the Mayor’s Civic Pride Award, held at Hout Bay High School on Monday December 9, from left: member of the mayor's stakeholder team, Marvin Sampson, Hout Bay High School Grade 11 pupil, Keasha Johnson, Hout Bay High School principal Juan Julius and Ward councillor Roberto Quintas.
A group of Hout Bay High School pupils have come together with the common goal of ensuring that all of their classmates have access to their school uniform next year.
Hangberg resident and Hout Bay High School Grade 11 pupil, Keasha Johnson, is part of the Uniform Constitution Club and received the Mayor’s Civic Pride Award for her contributions to their campaign inside their school hall on Monday December 9.
Keasha also received a cash prize valued at R2000 during the award ceremony.
The civic award offers schools an opportunity to nominate pupils involved in exceptional community service, according to the mayor’s spokesperson, Lyndon Khan.
Keasha said she was honoured to have been nominated for the Mayor’s Civic Pride award.
The school’s Uniform Constitution Club consists of 14 members and was spearheaded by the Enke Trailblazer programme.
The members are Keasha, Nikita Johnson, Moricia Daniels, Ashanti Abrahams, Aline Susmani, Amahle Jaza, Aphiwe Boqwana, Avuzwa Joka, Jacqueline Chidakwani, Kuhle Mafunisi, Lenon Joka, Liyabona Mpanga, Sibulele Busakhwe and Thembeka Singonzo.
The nine-month Enke Trailblazer programme for Grade 10 and 11 pupils aims to empower young people with theoretical and practical skills that assist them to become effective leaders in their communities, according to their website.
The initial goal for the group’s new uniform designs was not only to change their attire, but to also evoke a sense of pride among their classmates when wearing their school uniform.
“The project was first established last year when the Enke programme came to our school for six to nine months. Initially we proposed new uniform designs but we came to a conclusion that changing the school uniform right now was not our priority.
“We decided that we had to inspire the learners in our school to feel comfortable with the uniform we currently wear because we've been having problems with a lot of learners who refuse to wear their uniform,“ Keasha said.
The group called on some of the teachers to assist them in ensuring pupils were respecting and wearing their uniform.
“Some of the teachers would stand by the gate when students were arriving for school. Learners were also instructed to have a letter signed by their parents explaining why they weren’t wearing their uniform.
“Next year we’re hoping get sponsors who can help learners who can’t afford the uniform. The goal is for every pupil to have access to the school uniform especially those who can’t afford it,“ she added.
Club member Jacqueline Chidakwani said the project helped to boost her confidence and she is proud to have worked on it with her team members.
“My team came up with many great ideas and we made a lot of progress. Our challenges focused around communication as people had different perspectives on things,” Jacqueline said.
Fellow team member, Thembeka Singonzo said working on the project was exciting and informative.
“Our common goal was to ensure that all our learners will have access to a full scale uniform someday,” Thembeka said.
Keasha’s mother is beaming with pride for her daughter’s award.
“She had always been involved in programmes and clubs such as the Interact Club, Enke Trailblazer and Inspiring Future Stars. She also hopes to become more involved in projects in Hangberg that can inspire the young to take charge of their future.“
Ward councillor, Roberto Quintas said it was a privilege to handover the Mayor’s Civic Pride Award to Keasha.
“The mayor’s award is to foster a spirit of pride in our city and can involve more than only cleaning up. There are many ways to demonstrate civic pride.
“She is also part of the schools 'Interact Club’ and on a regular basis they come together and work on various projects in and around the Hout Bay community. Over the June school holidays she raised funds to compile care packs for the elderly in the community,” he said.
Hout Bay High School principal Juan Julius said: “This award is fantastic for the school and can spark a positive change for our learners that can improve their academic work and behaviour.
“There is far too little initiative like the Uniform Constitution Club in our community so we need to acknowledge and celebrate the great work our pupils are doing. I‘m so proud of all the team members.”