Schools 2025 – Page 4

The 3rd session of the Schools program took place on Monday 14th April at Rondebosch United church. The focus was Christianity and the session was led by Rev. Robert Steiner, who donned an outsize pair of clown shoes for his presentation.

He invited learners, some of whom had not been in a church before, to interact. Their questions gradually started unfolding the more they felt at home.

Following this, Nic Paton and Victor Masondo shared music and life stories.

CTII board member Theo Mayekiso summarised the program thus:

The Challenges of Ministry: Robert, the host minister, shared a deeply reflective look at the challenges of being a spiritual leader, particularly the weighty responsibility of carrying Christ’s message while navigating real-world complexities.
Interfaith & Intercultural Understanding: CTII’s initiative showcased the importance of exposing young minds to different faiths and cultures. The event encouraged open dialogue and mutual respect, fostering a more inclusive society.
The Power of Friendship & Music: Nic and Victor’s 40-year friendship across racial lines in South Africa is a testament to how deep human connections transcend historical divisions. Their jazz performance beautifully illustrated the harmony possible when people from different backgrounds come together.
Call to Action for Support: Whether through participation, volunteering, or amplifying the message, this event underscores the need for continued engagement in interfaith and intercultural dialogue.

Golden Mwuara : “We really would like to appreciate these talented people for gracing us with their amazing work and melodious voices. This session really highlighted the power of god and valuing of others and friendship.”

Song “Da Pacem Cordium” led by Victor, Ann and Nic

We ended the session by teaching the Christian canon (round) “Da Pacem Cordium” which translates as “Give Peace to every heart”. It has further verses, “Shalom lalevot”, and “Salaam al qaloob” in Hebrew and Arabic. The learners learned quickly as the video above shows.

Ana : “The learners had so many questions for Robert. I found Robert’s discussion to be inspiring and exciting specifically with regard to the progressive nature of his church and its members. The joyous and affectionate friendship between Nic and Victor was beautiful to behold!”

Congratulations once again to Pippa Jones, assisted by Ana, Golden, the teachers and many others, for another successful meeting of our schools interfaith/intercultural program.

Monday 17th March saw the second meeting of the CTII schools project, at Erin Hall in Rondebosch.

We featured a number of “stalwarts of struggle” from South Africa’s past, including Mary Burton (Black Sash), Horst Kleinschmidt (Christian Institute, International Defense and Aid Fund), as well as the CTII’s own Mary Frost, Geordie Ratcliffe (director of Sustainability Matters), and Benjy de Kock, UCT Mandela-Rhodes Scholar. Most belong to Masibuyisane, a civil society group discussing and acting on current societal issues.

Sensitively led by Pippa Jones and Laurie Gaum, some 48 learners from 8 schools across the metro had time to interact with these elders in activism, and submit interesting questions to them around creating a life worth living, especially in the South Africa with so much still undone and where so many issues are still causing suffering.

While religion was not overtly central to the discussion at this event, the multi-faith learners were treated to an expansive view of the lives of people who responded to their consciences in a dark time and stuck with their convictions despite exile and imprisonment, for decades thereafter.

Savannah du Plessis, an invited observer, said “Enriching; I loved the way the students sparkled! To be in the presence of people who were and are absolute radicals was extremely inspiring and motivating.”