Seven lucky Grade 11 pupils from Grahamstown schools have been nominated to fly to Poland from 18- 26 April to partake in an educational human rights project.
Seven lucky Grade 11 pupils from Grahamstown schools have been nominated to fly to Poland from 18- 26 April to partake in an educational human rights project.
The Rhodes University Law clinic was asked by the German and Polish organisation, Model International Criminal Court (MICC) to select learners from Grahamstown to represent South Africa in the international initiative. Three pupils were selected from Mary Waters, and from Graeme College.
Director of the Law Clinic Prof. Jobst Bodenstein said “this is an exciting opportunity to extend the clinic’s community engagement on an international level. We feel honoured to have been chosen by the German and Polish organisation”.
“The law clinic made a conscious decision to target the government schools in Grahamstown, the schools were sent invitations and there was an application system where Grade 11 pupils could apply.” said Prof. Bodenstein. Pupils were required to write an essay on international criminal court.
Said Mary Water’s pupil Thandokuhle Qakamfana: “My teacher told me about the opportunity…I have always wanted to go overseas and I said why not take the chance, I did not think they would choose me but I have always believed in myself.”
Another pupil was excited about the trip. “I’m looking forward to meeting new cultures, cities, and people… it’s my first time going out the country, and my parents are glad I got the opportunity to do something like this when I’m still so young,” said Danyel Hartley from Graeme College.
This is the first time MICC has opened its initiatives to pupils from all over the world. High school pupils from Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Afghanistan, Uganda, South Africa and Vietnam will be attending the week-long project.
Bodenstein explained that the project seeks to foster intercultural dialogue and understanding among pupils of various national and cultural backgrounds. Pupils will be encouraged to explore their roles as prosecutors, members of the defence, judges or members of the observing media in international teams.
The learners will get a unique opportunity to interact with young people from other cultures, and get exposure to human rights, especially into the international instrument for prosecuting abuses against humanity.
Bodenstein was however disappointed by the lack of enthusiasm from the local schools, with only having two responding to the call for nominations.
“I think the schools deprived their learners from this wonderful opportunity.”
