“It is up to us to live up to the legacy that was left for us, and to leave a legacy that is worthy of our children and of future generations.”Christine Gregoire
Take a look at where we are now, and how far we’ve come; 46 years ago today, a new chapter was written for the youth of South Africa, Africa, and the world. Tsietsi Teboho Mashinini gave a speech on June 13, 1976, that would change the course of history and the educational landscape.
Mashinini, a selfless leader, inspired over 20 000 Soweto youngsters to take action to change a system that viewed them as second-class citizens, an education system that taught them that they were only good as servants and labourers.
They said we are physicians, lawyers, teachers, business people, pilots, and scientists – the world and everything in it belongs to us.
Legacy
The young leaders of 1976 left us a lasting legacy, one of servant leadership – as we say at Nova Pioneer, “great leaders always put others before themselves and engage their community with humility and generosity. We see leadership as a way of improving the world, not simply promoting ourselves.”
The Nova Pioneer teaching journey is designed to create a spirit of service beyond self-interest, to recognise that you are an important part of the world, and that substantial change begins with you.
Gratitude
Gratitude is an important part of humility, and we salute all of the young leaders of 1976 for being role models in this area. We are because you are, and we are shaping leaders and innovators for an African century because you showed us it was possible. Nova Pioneer honours you for sacrificing your lives so that we might enjoy the freedoms we have today. We are building schools across Sub-Saharan Africa and bringing together brilliant minds from around the world.
Let us use this Youth day to reflect on the strides we have made, the work we have laying ahead and remember to keep investing in the youth because it is with them that the future lies.
Nova Pioneer Schools salute the youth of 1976. Like a mirror we never lose our ability to reflect, no matter how many times we are broken – we will continue to press forward, motivated by the spirit of positive pan-Africanism.
