News from Rumbek

Flags, Anthems and Respect

Every Monday and Friday they make their grand entrance. The normally busy school life stands still for a moment, and all eyes watch while the flag is raised. At this moment, the members of our Rangers Club are in their element. They have practised every week how to raise the flag, and they ensure that everything is done respectfully. This respect and love for their country, South Sudan, and being called to be a patriotic citizen is something all our students aspire to.

When the whole student body starts singing the national and school anthems, you can see that they have done another good job. To teach the new students year after year how to sing these important songs is one of the duties of the Rangers Club.

To represent our school outside, for example on Independence Day, the club members must practice marching until every step is perfect. ‘Be prepared’ is the club’s motto, which means discipline and vigilance are the most important skills one has to develop as a club member.

Self-confidence is another skill a Ranger gains, because they often have to interact and cooperate with other people and groups outside the school. And, their marching and raising the flag is done while all eyes are watching them.

The Rangers are also heralds of peace and sometimes even translators: “Most of our elders do not speak English. That’s why we go and translate, so that we can all understand more about our country and independence,” said Martha.

“I saw them raising the flag. I liked the way they did it. I felt so proud, so I wanted to become like them.”

Asked why she joined this club, Elisa said: “I arrived here on a Friday and Monday morning, I saw them raising the flag. I liked the way they did it. I felt so proud, so I wanted to become like them.”

Sign up to our newsletter

Keep up to date with news, fundraising events and activities

Want to help us further? Make a Donation

Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.