Tore’s Foundation, in collaboration with the University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB), will commemorate Youth Day with the launch of a virtual debating series aimed at high school learners.
Tomorrow will mark the 44 anniversary of the Soweto youth uprising of 16 June 1976, with many of the Youth Day celebrations going virtual amid the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in SA stand at 70 038, with 1 480 having succumbed to the disease and recoveries at 38 531, as of Monday morning.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown regulations, Tore’s Foundation has decided to commemorate national youth day by kick-starting its live online debate series.
The series will commence with a keynote address from professor Jonathan Jansen, distinguished professor in the faculty of education at Stellenbosch University.
According to the foundation, it aims to empower young people to develop their critical thinking and discover their voice through debate in order to transform their communities and engage politically.
In addition, the programme expands students’ outlook and encourages their interest and participation in democracy and its institutions.
Tore’s Foundation director of programmes, Bhongolwethu Sonti, says: “Moving out of the classroom and into a virtual space is difficult, even more so for those not necessarily equipped with the means to do so effectively due to the digital divide. Our debaters are very excited by this development and Tore’s Foundation is extremely grateful to USB for facilitating it.”
Dr Armand Bam, head of social impact at USB, adds: “USB is delighted to support the Tore’s Foundation to develop a programme that will enable it to continue through the current crisis and beyond. Our shared philosophy of shaping responsible leaders for society makes this partnership a truly meaningful community engagement.”
The topic of debate for the day is “This House believes that e-learning will widen the unequal education outcomes of South African schools”, and will take place from noon to 1.15pm.
For more on the programme and to access the debate, contact In’aam Kesner, Tore’s Foundation director of operations, on 060 965 1372.
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