|
What an opportunity to experience a camp such as this. Three days and three nights spent with twenty bright, fun yet very different students from Grade 11. What a wonderfully diverse group of people, each with so much to offer! At school we often just walk by each other and nod in recognition but the camp offered us all an opportunity to really get to know each other, to discover what we like, what we don’t like, what we think about current affairs, politics, our school uniform, the code of conduct and even each other.
The cleverly thought-out activities and games were challenging, thought-provoking and often took us out of our comfort zone, forcing us to look at alternatives, evaluate our prejudices and to consider other points of view. Many a life lesson was learnt during our interactions with one another. What was so great was that despite our different points of view we managed to engage in some serious conversation without resorting to conflict and tension. The learners approached some very often contentious topics with an open mind and a willingness to be honest and respectful of each other.
What a lot we can accomplish if this becomes the norm within our school and within our country. How quick we can be to point fingers and laugh at others, while actually just showing our ignorance. Having to work together, think together and play together often forced us not only to acknowledge our differences but also to share in the richness of our diversity for the benefit of all. Stereotyping, prejudice, intolerance and disrespect is often what we find within multicultural groups and institutions but lessons learnt at Rainbow Camp show that these are there simply because we fear the unknown and know no better, but the more we interact and meet each other on different levels, the more we begin to see that we share the same thoughts, dreams, hopes and fears, and that our ‘common-ness’ actually far outweighs our differences, which are in a sense really only superficial.
I learnt a great deal from the camp, not only about myself, but about how I view my fellow classmates. What really stood out for me was that trust is something we need in order to feel safe as it enables us to show our strengths as well as our weaknesses in an environment which is caring and supportive. Only then can you really show your true colours and allow others to get to know and accept the real you. When this happens relationships are built and obstacles can be overcome with collaboration, team work and a willingness to succeed. I was often quick to judge others without realising the pain I probably inflicted so unwittingly on others. The camp has made me realise that we always need to consider life experiences of others and not to be too judgmental. We need to know what makes others ‘tick’ so that we in turn can behave in an appropriate manner and treat others with sensitivity and respect. A special thank you to all the teachers, especially Ms Baron, for giving us this wonderful opportunity to celebrate diversity. My only hope is that we can live out our lessons learnt to benefit all of the PHS student body. This is a camp which has made a big impact on my life and has changed the way in which I relate to and interact with others.
The Rainbow Campers hope that the little rainbow we created together at Bainskloof will make a meaningful difference in the lives of people who form part of the Rainbow Nation.
Braddon Hutchings
|
Promoting Acceptance 
