What a beautiful event this one was: a South African school had teachers and students switch roles through attires. The result is that on this special day, teachers would wear students’ usual uniforms, while the students get to wear casual wear.
A viral video captured the cheers and amazement of young ones as teachers rocked green and grey school uniforms. It became a very unique event where everybody could feel like getting to see things from another perspective, and hence it created camaraderie amongst them.
The audience mainly students, laughed and gasped in awe as students clapped and cheered for the teachers. Some students imitated how their teachers walk, giving it a funny twist.
That memorable day wasn’t just about the attire; it also served to bridge the gap between the student body and the faculty. All of them could start appreciating daily experiences of ‘the other’ and hence foster a more empathetic and connected school community.
A similar moment went viral in Kenya when a teacher, Prudence Loureen from St Cecilia Mautuma Girls High School, came to school in attire showing her religious roots. The event was really special in showing the effect of personal expression in school.
In general, these moments depict how creativity and sensitivity can work together in education to invigorate learning and make environments more inclusive.