Z – Zulaikha’s Protest & Zoo

Story – 1

Z – Zulaikha’s Protest

(Story shared by Siddharth Dabhowale)

Zulaikha Patel, at the age of 13, became a hope for many African girls. She raised her voice against her school’s policy regarding black girls’ hair.

Her school,  Pretoria Girls High School, said that Afro hair is exotic and needed to be tamed. Zulaikha quoted, “Asking me to change my hair is like asking me to erase my blackness.” She led a demonstration against her school’s hair policy and instantly received worldwide support. People shared their pictures and an online petition got 25, 000 signatures within a day.

The Gauteng Department of Education visited the school to speak to the students about their grievance which was not just about the hair policy but also about racism in general at the school. The school’s hair policy was suspended which was a relief to many and Zulaikha became a role model for young girls.

Story – 2

A Zoo that Cares

(Story shared by Rashi Roy)

Rashi and her family had planned to visit a zoo which was quite far from their home. It was famous for Kangaroo feeding and they were really excited about it.

After a long drive, when they finally reached there, they were shocked to read the notice board at the entrance, “Due to heat the animals are given rest and all the attractions are cancelled for today.” The receptionist said that due to heat wave there was a sudden rise in temperature and keeping that in mind they decided to give rest to the animals. However, they were allowed to enter the zoo and see the animals.

Within five minutes of their walk inside the zoo they realized it was extremely hot for the kids to stay outdoors and decided to return home. It was then that they realized that the zoo authorities did the right thing by cancelling the activities for that day. It would have been inhuman to expect the animals to stay out in the scorching sun for the visitors.

It was really very thoughtful of them and we appreciated their act of kindness.

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