National Peace and Reconciliation Day
On 4 October, the Aga Khan Academy Maputo commemorates the National Peace and Reconciliation Day, which is a public holiday in Mozambique that marks the official end of the civil war on this day in 1992. To honour this day, AKA Maputo held an interactive assembly on 20 September with the entire school focusing on peace and pluralism.
Head of Academy Michael Spencer began the assembly with a warm welcome, which was followed by the Mozambican National Anthem. Students also got to hear a special speech by AKA Maputo’s Outreach and Programme Coordinator Aleixo José who lived through the civil war and spoke on the importance of peace.
After the school choir performed a beautiful song, which was organised by Grade 2 teacher Mr Messias Chale, a few students from Grades 1-Diploma Programme 1 recited the poem No Room for Hate by David Gould. Each line of the poem was recited in different languages, including English, Portuguese, Changana, Tshona and others.
The students also presented one debate question per grade level on the importance of peace and the role of pluralism in supporting peace. This was prepared by the students a week prior to the assembly and was presented during the assembly by a nominated speaker per grade level.
To end off the assembly, Mr Michael unveiled a collective art poster in commemoration of the day made by all grades at the Academy, with the choir performing another musical number followed by a few minutes of silence to pay respect.
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