Pelican Park High School stands united against gender-based violence
Staff, pupils, parents, and the broader Pelican Park community gathered outside Pelican Park High School, in solidarity against gender-based violence, on Friday November 21.
Image: Supplied
Pelican Park High School has joined the national movement against gender-based violence (GBV), standing firmly in solidarity with communities across South Africa, today, on Friday, November 21.
Shahd Shadrick, a Grade 8 pupil who sparked the initiative, approached the school’s principal, Shariefa Clark, urging Pelican Park High to take an active stand.
Ms Clark said: “Shadrick, together with the representative council of learners (RCL), expressed that young people cannot be silenced in the face of violence against women and children."
Kamilah Slamdien, school bursar and Shariefa Clark, principal of Pelilcan Park High School.
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Ms Clark welcomed the idea with full support. “Our learners are at the heart of social change. When they take initiative, we stand with them,” she said.
At the demonstration, staff, pupils, parents, and the broader Pelican Park community gathered outside the school. “Dressed in solidarity colours black and purple, they held placards and stood together to highlight the urgency of ending GBV,” said Ms Clark. “The atmosphere reflected what was true humanity and Ubuntu in action."
“We can not be silent in the face of violence,” she said. “Our voices matter, and today, our community showed that we stand together.”
Pelican Park High School staff.
Image: Supplied
“Pelican Park High School continues to reaffirm its commitment to creating a safe, aware, and socially responsible learning environment,” said Ms Clark.