Five Makana learners took part in an annual Spring School tour to Robben Island on 30 September, escorted by Nozipho Madinda, from the Albany Museum, who was delighted when one of them won a prize after presenting a talk about her culture and traditional outfit.
Five Makana learners took part in an annual Spring School tour to Robben Island on 30 September, escorted by Nozipho Madinda, from the Albany Museum, who was delighted when one of them won a prize after presenting a talk about her culture and traditional outfit.
Amanda Nyumka of Masakhane farm school based in Hope Fountain, explained how and when the outfit was worn and why it is important in her community and for the conservation of her culture.
The other learners who attended the school were Lelethu Mto of Khutliso Daniels, Nkosiyabo Magwadi of Sakhingomso farm school, Nkcubeko Balani of Mary Waters High and Zintle Mali of Masihlangane J.S.S.
The Spring School consisted of a heritage workshop, umrabulo, a knowledge hunt, elective workshops and an open day celebration.
The umrabulo was facilitated by ex-political prisoners – 'umrabulo' is a Xhosa word which means to sip and in the context of the school, its meaning is symbolic and refers to sipping from the cup of knowledge.
The learners were then divided into groups for the knowledge hunt and given clues which would lead them to uncover pieces of the history about Robben Island.
In another activity, learners were able to choose from Radio, Print media, Photography and Video production workshops. The public relations and marketing officer of Albany Museum Mr Zongezile Matshoba facilitated the print media workshop, during which the learners wrote stories which they published on a blog and on facebook.
One of the desired outcomes of the Spring School is that learners return enriched by the experience, having made new friends and learnt skills that they can share with their schools and communities.
