SIXTY-SECONDS FOR PEACE AT NORKEM PARK HIGH SCHOOL
It doesn't sound like much of a sacrifice, does it? When first proposed, I actually had fellow teachers laugh at such an idea...they said it would never work. They were wrong!
The idea came to me when I realized September 11 was an important date in more than one way. Any American knows what that date means in our history (indeed, world history). No need to go into detail here. September 11, 2001 is a "date that will live in infamy"...to paraphrase President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Only this wasn't an attack by the forces of Japan; this was a dishonorable, dastardly, cowardly, vicious attack by civilians on civilians. They call it Jihad. Civilized people call it Terrorism.
South Africa has taught me about the peaceful approach of Mohandas K. Gandhi and his introduction of Satyagraha to the world. It happened right here in Johannesburg. And it happened on September 11, 1906, hence, the 100th anniversary of his passive, peaceful resistance movement on September 11, 2006.
Actually, I've been teaching about Gandhi and peace for much of my career. Having attended a week-long conference on the Kingian philosophy of non-violence in Atlanta has also added to my extensive background in teaching peace. Once one is exposed to the peace movement, no matter whose frame of reference, it just builds and there seems to be added commitment to share the philosophy/ideas of peace.
Mohandas K. Gandhi's South African connection makes learning about him especially relevant for learners here. One particular incident changed his life forever, indeed it changed the world forever. Gandhi was thrown off a train in Pietermarizburg for travelling in the first-class compartment (only whites were permitted to be in that car). Although he had a first-class ticket he was told that only whites were allowed in that compartment and he must move to the third-class carriage. He refused to move and so his journey came to an abrupt end...and his life's work began at the same time.
Well, Norkem Park's Peace Wall has been painted a beautiful sky blue. The eleven concrete posts are white. As luck would have it, the eleven posts will be printed with the word for PEACE in all eleven official languages of South Africa. The languages will also be identified on the posts. They will be printed in the order given in the S.A. Constitution...starting with Sepedi...ending with isiZulu. This might cause a disagreement as to what language should go where, but we're prepared to show anyone THEIR Constitution and end the disagreement right there.
I plan on purchasing a South African Fire tree. The fire tree has beautiful, fire-like blossoms in spring and will symbolically represent an eternal flame for peace (at least that's the way I envision it). I've petitioned the American Embassy for a donation of a succulent plant or two from their gardens--thinking that would be something symbolic regarding America's search for peace in the world (yeah, yeah, I'm sure there might be some folks who think the U.S. is all for war. You're wrong! The peace movement is alive and well in America.
The Peace Wall will be completed sometime in later October (we hope). I'd like to see someone like a Desmond Tutu make himself available for our dedication ceremony, but that might be wishful thinking. We'll still try to find someone of note to be here. Ideas readily accepted!
So that's it. I'm proud of teaching peace here and hopefully the idea will spread and be implanted just like the plants we want to place in the ground in front of the wall. Mr. Thomas Tervit, the assistant principal, wants to see the Peace Wall become a part of tradition here...with the school observing PeaceOneDay each September 21 from this year on. He would also like to see something added to the Peace Wall area every year. I won't be here to carry on the new tradition, but it sure sounds like something worthwhile.
It's all an ideal, of course. Peace is very elusive and it almost seems useless to even try to reach for it. Nevertheless, Norkem Park High School has been introduced to the concept and that is very worthwhile for this American. I hope it is for you too...
The idea came to me when I realized September 11 was an important date in more than one way. Any American knows what that date means in our history (indeed, world history). No need to go into detail here. September 11, 2001 is a "date that will live in infamy"...to paraphrase President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Only this wasn't an attack by the forces of Japan; this was a dishonorable, dastardly, cowardly, vicious attack by civilians on civilians. They call it Jihad. Civilized people call it Terrorism.
South Africa has taught me about the peaceful approach of Mohandas K. Gandhi and his introduction of Satyagraha to the world. It happened right here in Johannesburg. And it happened on September 11, 1906, hence, the 100th anniversary of his passive, peaceful resistance movement on September 11, 2006.
Actually, I've been teaching about Gandhi and peace for much of my career. Having attended a week-long conference on the Kingian philosophy of non-violence in Atlanta has also added to my extensive background in teaching peace. Once one is exposed to the peace movement, no matter whose frame of reference, it just builds and there seems to be added commitment to share the philosophy/ideas of peace.
Mohandas K. Gandhi's South African connection makes learning about him especially relevant for learners here. One particular incident changed his life forever, indeed it changed the world forever. Gandhi was thrown off a train in Pietermarizburg for travelling in the first-class compartment (only whites were permitted to be in that car). Although he had a first-class ticket he was told that only whites were allowed in that compartment and he must move to the third-class carriage. He refused to move and so his journey came to an abrupt end...and his life's work began at the same time.
Well, Norkem Park's Peace Wall has been painted a beautiful sky blue. The eleven concrete posts are white. As luck would have it, the eleven posts will be printed with the word for PEACE in all eleven official languages of South Africa. The languages will also be identified on the posts. They will be printed in the order given in the S.A. Constitution...starting with Sepedi...ending with isiZulu. This might cause a disagreement as to what language should go where, but we're prepared to show anyone THEIR Constitution and end the disagreement right there.
I plan on purchasing a South African Fire tree. The fire tree has beautiful, fire-like blossoms in spring and will symbolically represent an eternal flame for peace (at least that's the way I envision it). I've petitioned the American Embassy for a donation of a succulent plant or two from their gardens--thinking that would be something symbolic regarding America's search for peace in the world (yeah, yeah, I'm sure there might be some folks who think the U.S. is all for war. You're wrong! The peace movement is alive and well in America.
The Peace Wall will be completed sometime in later October (we hope). I'd like to see someone like a Desmond Tutu make himself available for our dedication ceremony, but that might be wishful thinking. We'll still try to find someone of note to be here. Ideas readily accepted!
So that's it. I'm proud of teaching peace here and hopefully the idea will spread and be implanted just like the plants we want to place in the ground in front of the wall. Mr. Thomas Tervit, the assistant principal, wants to see the Peace Wall become a part of tradition here...with the school observing PeaceOneDay each September 21 from this year on. He would also like to see something added to the Peace Wall area every year. I won't be here to carry on the new tradition, but it sure sounds like something worthwhile.
It's all an ideal, of course. Peace is very elusive and it almost seems useless to even try to reach for it. Nevertheless, Norkem Park High School has been introduced to the concept and that is very worthwhile for this American. I hope it is for you too...
posted by JOBURG JOURNAL at 2:37 AM
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