Published: September 10, 2009
Charles, from Kenwood Academy High School enjoyed The Robben Island Singers visit to his school:
“I’m not from a prestigious neighborhood. I’m from what you would maybe call a bad neighborhood. So these singers were a real inspiration. Their songs signify hope.”
Jasmine from Michelle Clark High School has this to say about The Robben Island Singers when they visited her school:
“This whole experience, I am just overwhelmed by it. I love the entire notion of history and heritage and getting to know it and actually playing a part in it. I believe we are kind of making history right now.”
Here are some questions that students have asked The Robben Island Singers when they do Q&A sessions in classrooms:
• Is there ever a time you regret standing up for your beliefs because of the consequences that followed?
• How old were you when you went to prison?
• You all have become an inspiration to many young people today. Who inspires/inspired you to fight against injustice?
• At what point in your struggle did you feel that your anger and pain should have been replaced by action and a revolution through song?
• Do you feel that it frees you to forgive someone who has wronged you?
• Did you find it difficult to re-adjust to freedom when you got out?
• Did a lot of ex-prisoners have trouble getting jobs after they were freed because they had to leave High School?
• How much racism is still left in South America even after apartheid?
• Do you think that your message is ignored by people who don’t acknowledge the past?
• Will you guys be back next year?
Check out what teachers have to say about The Robben Island Singers school program.
