Even the epic rains could not dampen our spirits or our resolve to be together for the annual Grade 10 Half Day Camp. This is the second year that Springfield Convent School has generously hosted us. Ideally we would have enjoyed their gorgeous campus for a Treasure Hunt, but the wild weather forced us inside.
Undaunted, we created an “Interfaith Mission Quest” that had teams compete for prizes. Not only was it an opportunity to battle it out in a variety of creative, knowledge-based, and physical challenges, but it also gave our learners the precious chance to get to know each other better, building trust and friendship along the way. Something that will serve them well as we embark on our 2-year journey of discovery together.
One of the challenges called “The 30-Second Unity Pitch” gave each team the opportunity to express their thoughts about Interfaith engagement and its importance in their lives. Here are some of the gems that emerged from this challenge.
- “This is my safe space out of school”.
- “We build our character development, relationships and leadership. Opinions are respected, religions are explored. We are one as we listen, learn and respect.”
- “We want to learn more about others and offer a hand to those in need.”
- “Look around. What are we as humanity? Torn apart, with war all around and no peace. But as the youth we want to change that. To bring different faiths together. To listen. To care. To understand…Let’s wage peace together.”
- “What is life without diversity? This is a space that builds connection. A place of understanding. Of our cultures, our religions, our heritage, our values.”
- “Ubuntu is our universal language…This is all about showing up and participating. Don’t tell me, show me!”
- “Finding how to co-exist….Finding our common ground.”
The final part of our gathering was our Inter-Cultural Exchange – an opportunity for our group not only to talk about their heritage but also what makes us who we are: our faiths, our cultures, our histories and our ancestry. The instructions were to bring an item of cultural ancestral significance, and a special item of clothing. Also a food that is meaningful to you, your family and your tradition.
One by one, each learner came up and laid the table until it was bursting with colour, smells and history. They shared their stories, even poems and songs, many in their home languages. At the end, not only was the table full but so were our hearts. We watched as even the shiest found the courage to speak.
One young woman declared her Khoi ancestry with pride. Another asked that we bear witness to her standing in her true name, not her English one. Learner after learner demonstrated vulnerability as they shared honestly of themselves, their traditions and their backgrounds in front of people they’ve only just come to know. Stunning bravery. There was no judgment, rather a circle of love, respect and belonging.
One learner had said earlier: “I want to learn to put myself out there.” And oh how she did…how they all did.
As we closed our time together, we counted several different faiths, and none; 15 languages, and cultural roots that stemmed from over 20 different countries worldwide. We ended the afternoon feeling like one of the striking traditional garments on display – colorful, meaningful, with many threads woven together to make one beautiful cloth.
