The tapestry of the South African story is woven from many threads. When we reflect on our country’s history the threads of oppression, injustice, loss and grief are inextricably interwoven with those of collective action, triumph, progress and joy.
Similarly, Youth Day is a day of mourning during which we recall the brutality of a regime that refused to acknowledge the dignity, rights and freedoms of all its citizens. And it is an opportunity to celebrate the strength and determination of those who refused to accept that change is not possible.
celebrate the strength and determination of those who refused to accept that change is not possible
The class of ’76 was a catalyst for change. They passed to us the baton to recognise that which cannot be left unchallenged, to speak when silence would perpetuate injustice and to act, every day, in the interest of a more equal, more just, more prosperous future for all South Africans.
we have to act, every day, in the interest of a more equal, more just, more prosperous future for all South Africans
Stories capture the essence of our human experience. They lay the foundation for personal, social and political action. To continue carrying the baton for positive change in a meaningful and responsible way, we have to keep sharing with each other both the stories of our past and our dreams for the future.
we have to keep sharing with each other both the stories of our past and our dreams for the future
During this Youth Month:
Share a story from your past with a young person,
Ask a friend, a colleague or a relative to share a story that has shaped the way they see the world, and
Ask a young person to draw you a picture or tell you a story about the world they would like to live in.
Let’s allow stories to continue nourishing our historical conciousness, to illuminate a vision for a better future, and to motivate action to make a better world.
A printable worksheet to guide your conversations
You are welcome to download and print the worksheet below to guide your storytelling.
From the Otto Foundation Team
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