Principal Zohra ties discipline, dignity, and the spirit of 1976 to daily care for children
BY LERATO PHOSISI
At Aman School in Finetown, June 16 is more than a date on the calendar. It is a living lesson in courage, discipline, and care. This year, Principal Zohra led learners through a commemoration of the 1976 Soweto Uprising while reaffirming the school’s commitment to protecting children from poor and abusive backgrounds.
The day began with remembrance. Principal Zohra stressed why Aman learners must understand June 16 and the sacrifices of leaders like Rolihlahla Mandela. “Identity and freedom are linked,” she said. “When learners know that Rolihlahla Mandela was forced to accept the name ‘Nelson’ by his teachers, they understand that apartheid attacked not just bodies, but names, languages, and dreams. The youth of 1976 died so our children could learn in their own language and walk into any classroom with their heads high. If we forget that sacrifice, we risk taking our freedom for granted.”
That history is woven into one of Aman’s core values: discipline. Zohra explained how she connects the history of June 16 to that value. “The 1976 students showed extraordinary discipline they planned, they marched in uniform, they stayed united under pressure,” she said. “We tell learners: discipline is not about fear. It is about purpose.
For many Aman learners, school is the only stable place they know. Most come from extremely poor households and some face abuse at home. We remove the fear of going home to violence or an empty cupboard. Safety is the foundation. Once a child feels safe, we see confidence, attendance, and marks improve.”
That philosophy was visible during the school’s recent June 16 fun day. Grades 1 to 7 were treated to jumping castles, jungle gyms, and games, with volunteers serving hotdogs and snacks. Each learner also received a blanket for winter. Zohra reflected on what role these initiatives play in learner wellbeing. “Joy is not a luxury,” she noted. “For a child who has known hunger or violence, a day of play says ‘you matter.’ A blanket means ‘you are warm, you are safe.’ These moments heal. They tell our learners their lives are worth celebrating. These initiatives are not extras they are part of wellbeing. They restore childhood.”
Balancing academic rigour with care is central to Aman’s approach. Zohra was clear about how the school manages both. “We do not choose between discipline and compassion. We do both,” she said. “Our day starts with structure: morning inspection, clear routines, accountability. But our teachers are also trained to notice when a child is withdrawn or hungry. A hungry or traumatised child cannot learn algebra. So we feed first, listen second, and then we teach. Compassion and discipline are partners, not opposites. A cared-for child can be a disciplined child.”
Discipline, a core Aman value, is lived daily. Zohra detailed how it is taught and practiced. “It’s in the small things,” she explained. They lead morning assembly and mentor younger children. We have a code of conduct they help write, so it belongs to them. Praise is public, correction is private and restorative. Discipline at Aman means ‘I am responsible for myself and my community.’ The youth of 1976 understood community. We teach the same.”
Closing the commemoration, Zohra shared the message she hopes every Aman learner takes from both June 16 and the support they receive at school. “I want them to know two things,” she said. “First, you are the dream of 1976 — so study hard and lift others as you rise. Freedom was paid for by children just like them, and they must honour that debt by learning and leading. Second, you are not your circumstances. You are loved, you are safe, and you are capable. Aman exists because your life matters. June 16 reminds us why we fight for education. Aman reminds them they are worth fighting for.”
The school’s blend of remembrance, care, and discipline continues to turn the painful legacy of 1976 into a promise: that no child at Aman will be left in the cold physically or emotionally
