The streets of Heideveld were taken over by the “Superheroes” of Heideveld Primary School on Friday 20 June, when learners and teachers became superheroes led by principal Mogamat Desai.
“With Spiderman currently on everyone’s lips and in cinemas it was not surprising to see all the Spidermen roaming the streets. Every child needs a superhero and every child wants to become a superhero and that is exactly what happened when the school took over the streets.
“The Manenberg police were there to witness the ‘take-over’ of the streets,” said Capt Ian Bennett, spokesperson for Manenberg police.
Teachers at the school braved the cold rainy weather in their superhero outfits, taking the children on a walk through Heideveld defying the weather elements and literally taking the streets back for the learners to see.
“Education was the weapon of choice and every (teacher) a winning superhero,” Desai said. “We took the learners on an educational tour, walking through the streets; the learners experienced the freedom of their streets with their (teachers) protecting their every step. For most of the children this was the first free walk through Heideveld, otherwise controlled by gangs. This was a defying moment; through education you can achieve anything and everything.”
The school finds itself in a gang-infested area, serving learners of a poverty-stricken community surrounding the school.
Due to circumstances in the community (drug abuse and socio-economic problems) learners are neglected by their parents and because of this Desai ensures teachers meet regularly with parents, and he always takes note of parents’ concerns as “their child becomes my child” (in loco parentis) once they put their foot into the institution. He knows his entire staff’s abilities and always has teachers in mind for professional development and refers to learners and teachers as his “family”. It was an amazing day when the dreams of children being superheroes held the power to change things. “If you want to make a change become a Superhero,” Desai said.
You must be logged in to post a comment.