March 21st marked Human Rights Day, a public holiday in South Africa.  The Equal Education group of local activists organized a concert and march to demand quality education for all.  Students from all over Cape Town were transported in to the city to take part in the festivities.  I came down quite early and was amazed at the number of students present.  The estimates were in the range of 15,000 in attendance on the Grand Parade.  Among the students were others interested in bringing awareness to the inequalities still present in many South African schools.

This initiative wants to secure the commitment of the South Africa education minster, Angie Motshekga, to minimum norms and standards for all schools by April 2011.  It is remarkable to hear of the state of some rural schools, in the most extreme cases lacking basics such as water and electricity.  Many schools in South Africa do not even have a functioning library!  If you want to contribute in Cape Town you can donate some texts at the Bookery in town.

If you believe that education is one of the most important human rights in society, consider donating to the Equal Education group.  I can attest to the fact that they are doing amazing work to impact education in South Africa!

Equal Education Concert on the Grand Parade

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