Pupils at Langa’s Kulani Secondary School became the first school in South Africa to launch a peace club, joining more than 300 other schools around the world involved in the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative (WPDI) project.

WPDI executive director Caroline Descombris who flew from the USA to witness the occasion. She had visited six other countries involved in the programme.

WPDI was founded by American actor and activist Forest Whitaker in 2018 with the aim of enabling young people to become community ambassadors.

Ms Descombris said the Kulani Secondary pupils were now part of a movement that boasts an army of 67 000 volunteers across globe.

“This is an initiative to help young men and women to develop skills as leaders and peace-minded community builders. I am inspired that all of you joined this programme out of your own will,” she said.

Ms Descombris said she was inspired by the stories told by the pupils and their conviction to make change in their surroundings.

The pupils have been taught topics such as conflict resolution, effective communication, human rights and how to use art to express their emotions.

Teacher Sange Mbontsi said pupils attending the peace club were exemplary and are serving their community with passion.

“They are a passionate group and having them around is a blessing because even other children are becoming interested in their activities,” he said.

“This peace club has healed me after I had lost my cousin, and it has helped a lot with coping. I don't think it about anymore because the art therapy keeps my distracted. When I'm here I completely feel peaceful and I happy to be part of it,” said pupil Afikile Noholoza.

“I honestly love coming to the peace because we keep our minds busy with the activities we do with our teacher, Usher Mandindi. We are taught how to be peer mediators of our school and learn skills like knitting, beading as well as painting,” said Imange Soko.

Teacher Usher Mandindi said it is uplifting to work with the pupils. “They are keen to become ambassadors,” he said.

The WPDI partners in the US and elsewhere celebrated International Peace Day, marked annually on October 24.

Kulani High Peace Club members with WPDI staff at the launch on Monday.

International peace club members Trvcza and Veronika Simonora with Usher Mandindi at the launch.

Usher Mandindi in conversation with RCS CEO Reagan Adams.