Members of the Grocott’s Mail Upstart programme were recently treated to a film at Roxbury Cinema. The Upstart editorial team took the upstarts to the movies last Wednesday as a way of consolation for having no school as a result of the strike.
Members of the Grocott’s Mail Upstart programme were recently treated to a film at Roxbury Cinema. The Upstart editorial team took the upstarts to the movies last Wednesday as a way of consolation for having no school as a result of the strike.
The learners, who range from different ages, watched Themba a Boy called Hope and, for some of them, it was their first cinema experience.
Sibusiso Klaas, a Grade 10 Upstart member from Nombulelo Secondary School thought this was a great idea. “It is something to do and I have never been to the cinema so I am excited,” she said.
Sibusiso has been with Upstart for three years now and she says it is a good way for kids to occupy themselves and learn new skills.
This is the third year the programme has been running and since June 2008 there has been a constant progression in numbers.
Upstart now has more than 300 members from 12 different schools around Grahamstown and they all contribute to giving the youth of Grahamstown a voice.
Upstart project coordinator, Nomphumezo Makinana and intern Glenda Hetula agreed that they were inspired by the childrens’ response to the movie.
The owner of Roxbury Cinema, Johnny Kluivers said: “I would do good at any time where children are involved.” Themba was filmed in the Eastern Cape which made it easier for the young children to relate to.
