Latest news with #ParktownHighSchoolforGirls
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Silent protest at Parktown High School for Girls targets GBV+F crisis
In the continuous fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBV+F), on May 26, Parktown High School for Girls organised a silent protest at the school. Learner and organiser of the initiative Ayanda Mehlomakhulu said she decided to be part of the initiative because she wanted to take a stand against the heinous crime. 'I decided to involve the school in taking a stand and having a moment of silence because GBV+F is a crime that is constantly on the rise, and nothing seems to be done about it.' Read more: TEARS Foundation and Avon South Africa unite against GBV Head girl Laura Helling added that one of the most important things about being part of the school was its culture to always be there for one another. 'Being a young woman in 2025 is about using your voice to speak up about issues that are important to our generation. GBV+F is one of the most horrific acts that affect our girls, and a crime we want to focus on.' Also read: Make #NoExcuse for GBV, be a Champion for Change Laura added that a few weeks ago, the school was invited to Parktown High School for Boys, where she addressed the school about GBV+F's seriousness, urging them to curb it in anyway they could. Last week, Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu released the fourth-quarter statistics, highlighting that, to help SAPS fight the scourge against GBV+F, the Justice Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster had launched a 90-day GBV+F blitz, which began on May 1. 'This includes the revival of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on GBV+F, tasked with co-ordinating government interventions, resolving systemic bottlenecks, and ensuring measurable progress. The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJoints) is leading the co-ordination of frontline safety and protection efforts.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: Rosebank College ready to take a stand against GBV At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
20-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Parktown High School for Girls eagerly donates blood
Parktown High School for Girls learners eagerly donated their blood to the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) on May 9. Blood donation ambassador and learner Jadyn Willer explained that part of her role included encouraging nervous donors. 'A peer promoter's role is to organise the blood donation process. Our role is to also support donors who are nervous, or clueless maybe because it's their first time.' Read more: SANBS stocks up ahead of school closure and Easter holidays Willer added that she began donating at the age of 16. She is currently 18, having donated approximately 8 times. She added that she enjoys donating because she is saving lives, including her own. Through donating, she found out that she has a heart disease, something she wouldn't have known had she not donated. According to the SANBS, maintaining adequate blood stocks is an ongoing challenge for many countries. 'In South Africa, less than 1% of the population are active blood donors, and, with each unit of blood lasting only 42 days after collection, it is important for blood donors to donate regularly, and for blood services organisations to increase the donor pool.' Also read: SANBS urges community to donate ahead of festive season In South Africa, only one person in about 140 donates blood regularly. This means that, most of the time, we are very close to running out of blood, placing the lives of thousands of people who need blood transfusions at risk every day. SANBS aims to collect an average of 3 000 units of blood daily across the country, to keep up with the demand and have some reserve stock. A first time blood donor, Nina Peres, said it wasn't bad. 'I donated because my dad often donates and I drew courage and inspiration from him to donate and help other people. After donating I felt tired but mostly fine. The peer promoters are also helpful in encouraging first time donors, and keeping us calm.' SANBS continues to urge people who are eligible to donate blood to spare 30 minutes of their time to give the gift of life and help stabilise blood stock levels by visiting their nearest sites or mobile drives. SANBS needs to maintain a blood stock level of five days for each blood group to ensure sustained availability for patients in need. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: SANBS urgently needs blood donors to step forward At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
14-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Parktown teen leads Johannesburg's Junior Council with purpose and passion
At Parktown High School for Girls, one learner stands out not for seeking the spotlight, but for the unwavering sense of purpose that guides her. Ashley Chikobvu, a Grade 11 learner, has been appointed co-mayor of the Johannesburg Junior Council for 2025, a title that reflects not just ambition but a deep-rooted commitment to service and community upliftment. Ashley's days are a masterclass in discipline. Balancing a demanding academic load of nine subjects, several extracurriculars, early morning classes in further studies mathematics, and her leadership role requires sharp time management. To stay focused, she has created personal systems of discipline, such as putting away her phone for most of the day to avoid distractions. She believes that success comes from remaining grounded in one's purpose and remembering the reasons behind the journey, especially when motivation runs low. Read more: Parktown Girls hosts action-packed Pirates Junior Hockey Clinic Her passion for leadership was nurtured from an early age. At Saxonwold Primary, the school's motto, We Serve, became more than a slogan — it shaped her worldview. Ashley took to heart the idea that real success means lifting others along the way, not stepping over them. This ethos continued to grow at Parktown Girls, a school she regards as a hub of opportunity. It was here that her confidence was cultivated and her passion for the Junior Council first sparked. Now, as co-mayor, Ashley's responsibilities go far beyond ceremonial duties. She plays an active part in shaping council discussions, leading initiatives, reviewing documents, and representing young voices in Johannesburg. Her work on council committees ensures that inclusivity and democracy remain at the core of every decision. While some assume her job is about giving commands, she is quick to clarify that it's passion and service that truly define her leadership. Also read: Rayhaan selected for U16B national hockey team The Dean Waltz Kids Carnival holds a special place in her heart among the many initiatives she supports. Held in memory of a former councillor, this event brings moments of joy to underprivileged children, a day when they can set aside their hardships and simply enjoy being kids. Ashley appreciates the diversity of the council, where learners from different schools and backgrounds come together. She believes that collaboration across differences is key to creating lasting change, even when personalities clash or perspectives differ. She dreams of studying at Yale University and pursuing a degree in ethics, politics, and economics. The multidisciplinary approach appeals to her, allowing her to explore law, economics, leadership, and social justice. Her ultimate goal is to address global issues such as period poverty, which deprives girls of education and dignity. Ashley is continually learning in her personal life. Recently, she took up crocheting, which has taught her patience and acceptance of imperfection. Literature, especially Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, has deepened her understanding of people's motivations. Her strength stems from her family, friends, and faith. With support from her parents, brother, and friends, Ashley has built resilience and empathy. Her Christian values of love, kindness, and forgiveness guide her actions, reflected in her favourite Bible verse, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Though still in high school, Ashley aims to be remembered for her service and impact. She aspires to be a lifelong learner who leads for the greater good. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: Parktown Boy crafting success in hockey At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
08-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Parktown High cheerleader elated after receiving South African blazer
Parktown High School for Girls learner Jocelyn Knox reflected on being awarded her South African blazer for cheerleading. Jocelyn, and her team, recently came back from Orlando, America, where they competed in the International Cheer Union (ICU) World Cheerleading Championships, the official world championships for youth, junior, and senior national cheerleading teams. 'We recently returned from competing at worlds from April 23–25,' said Jocelyn. 'It was an incredible experience. All six South African teams successfully made it to the finals. While not medaling, we did extremely well, and have more work ahead of us for the ICU World Cheerleading Championships in 2027.' Read more: Parktown High School for Girls hosts surprise performance by Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra The Grade 10 learner said that when she began the sport in Grade 7, she was drawn to how close the team was, and the strong bond everyone had with each other. 'I loved the idea of being thrown in the air and tumbling across the mat. I love the family I gained through it, and the lessons I learned from it.' Also read: Parktown High School for Girls cross country teams excel in early season races The cheerleader's accolades include: being awarded her provincial Colours in 2023 by the Gauteng Majorette and Cheerleading Association (GMCA), receiving her South African Majorette and Cheerleading Association (SAMCA) Colours in 2024 at a provincial competition, and becoming the national and African champions for the high, large, co-ed category, in September 2024, after competing at nationals in Cape Town. Jocelyn added that receiving her South African blazer was a long time coming, with her journey stemming from her four years in gymnastics, but it wasn't an easy task, with her first trials for the SA team taking place in April 2024. 'Every athlete that was on either team, or in the training programme, trained together for six months, until the second period of trials in October. While training for the national team we all still trained with our actual teams, and continued competing in all the local, provincial, and national competitions that happened along the way. Once the second round of trials was over, the official teams were selected. ' Jocelyn concluded that she wants to continue cheerleading for as long as she can. Participating in competitions for many years to come, and, hopefully, being part of the team that makes history for South Africa with a win. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: Parktown High School for Girls raises funds through a fun day At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
