We began our South African section of the Peace Run in the beach town of Kommetjie (means small basin in Afrikaans) and Ocean View
Kommetjie lies on the west coast of the Cape Peninsula.
It was a beautiful morning which was slightly overcast with a typical coastal breeze
Our first school \was Marine Primary school in Ocean View. We were met by Mr Lawrence , the principal of the school, and approximately 300 grade 3 - grade 5 students in their quadrangle outside their classes.
Abhijatri gave the Peace Run introduction and started the country guessing game.
Shree asking which country has the largest population - India!
Penny putting her English citizenship to good use ("where do people drink tea like this?").
Tafadzwa providing a difficult clue - which country is shaped like a teapot - Zimbabwe!
The principal , Mr Lawrence, and the school's dedicated teachers listening intently to the presentation.
The children and teachers acting out the World Harmony Run song.
All the kids lifting and shaking their hands to the lyrics 'of the rising sun'
Clifford, Shree and Tafadzwa acting out the "Is this Peace?" skit.
The kids feeling peace within their hearts.
Making their wish for peace.
Students received a Southern Hemisphere Peace Run bookmark
Mr Lawrence and teachers holding the Peace Torch. Thank you for welcoming us into your school!
Kleinberg Primary was the second school that we visited. The school has just over 1000 students and is in an area where gangs and violence are unfortunately fairly common. The principal, Mr Oppelt, opened the Peace Run presentation saying how we should not simply accept gangs and violence as a normal part of life. He was very happy to have the Peace Run visiting his school to help spread the message of peace.
Balarka emphasized to the students that they all have peace within and that they all have the strength to access it at anytime.
A heartfelt attempt was made to feel the peace within by the students.
Enjoying the presentation!
Mr Oppelt receiving a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the school from Peace 'Bunny' Penny.
Each class sent a representative to hold the Peace torch to make a wish for peace
Staff members and teachers also had their chance to hold the torch and add their wishes for peace.
After the presentation before heading home groups of students also wanted to hold the Peace Torch.
Penny is always popular with the girl students and is here happily making friends.
Raphael (left) ,the school's ground caretaker, had made great progress in planting new gardens and trees for the school. A newly planted tree was dedicated as a Peace Tree
and the Peace Run presented the school with a Peace Tree plaque to commemorate the initiative.
Raphael and Tafadzwa , fellow Zimbabweans, holding the Peace Torch together
Leaving Kleinberg Primary School for our next destination.
A willing helper held the torch and helped us with a little navigation.
We arrived at our final school for the day, Kommetjie Primary. This school had many international students and teachers.
The Peace Run presentation was given to Kommetjie Primary School students under the cool shade of the trees in their school courtyard.
After singing the World Harmony Run song to the students , the students decided among themselves to sing their school song back to us. This song contained lyrics in both English and Afrikaans.
Tafadzwa getting a helping hand in the "Is this Peace?" skit.
Penny explaining the peace exercise.
All the students got to hold the torch and make a wish for peace in a large peace circle.
The Principal , Mr Gueorguiev, receiving a certificate of appreciation from Penny on behalf of Kommetjie Primary School.
The students ran with the torch enthusiastically around the grounds after they had all
made a wish for peace with the Peace Torch.
After visiting the schools, the Peace Run team headed to the beach with the Torch to enjoy a run in the spectacular Cape Peninsula scenery.
Making new friends.
Holding the Peace Torch with James , the security guard, at our accommodation. James remembered us from our last visit here in 2013. James hails from the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country that has suffered many years of conflict.
James making his wish for peace.
