An NGO, in partnership with a preschool, and the Provincial Department of Basic Education, took 57 learners to the Union Building on National Flag Day in an effort to foster national pride in the youth.

The South African national flag was officially adopted through a proclamation by former State President FW de Klerk on April 20, 1994, to mark the country’s transition to democracy.

Khaya Seoketsa, founder of Kool 2B South African, says that the day’s event served as part of a new programme the NGO is launching called the Classroom of Patriotism.

The initiative is designed to cultivate civic pride and national identity among the nation’s children.

Seoketsa said he hopes the event becomes an annual tradition.

“The event focused on immersive education and interactive learning. Students participated in workshops detailing the history, proper handling, and the deep-seated significance of the flag’s design and colours.”

Seoketsa described the presentation of the flag to the office of the President as “the bridge between the leaders who helped craft the nation’s symbols and the children who will carry them forward”.

“The Classroom of Patriotism aims to expand its reach through continued outreach, ensuring that every child understands the weight and the wonder of the flag they inherit,” Seoketsa said.

The kids took part in a picnic near the statue of Nelson Mandela, played interactive patriotic games and quizzes, and learnt more about the history of the country’s flag and the importance of national pride.

Principal of Bumble Bee Pre-Primary, Italia Swart, says that the little ones had a wonderful time learning about the country’s heritage and national symbols.

“Our little bees enjoyed an informative talk about Nelson Mandela and our five national emblems.”

Swart said they helped to find the five national symbols: the blue crane, the galjoen, the yellowwood tree, the protea, and the springbok.

“Our children are the future and are proudly South African citizens; they have learnt today to always show respect for our national flag and our beloved country. It makes us proud to see our national flag swaying in the wind,” Swart said.

The visit also forms part of the NGO’s Colours of National Pride School Competition, a contest in which children from several schools compete for awards in patriotic categories such as dance, poetry, and flag hoisting.

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok or WhatsApp Channel