Kids light up stage with 'Save Gaza' message

Amidst a global outcry against the ongoing atrocities in Palestine, young students at a private institution in Islamabad also incorporated ‘Save Gaza’ and ‘Free Palestine’ slogans into their annual day performance.

Third-grade students at The City School Capital Campus Islamabad prepared a skit themed around the dichotomy of good and evil for their annual event. The performance depicted acts of evil, such as theft and mistreatment of the poor. Conversely, the second segment portrayed ‘good’ actions by showing someone helping the vulnerable and others offering prayer.

In the visually striking segment, students dressed in black attire with ghostly face paintings danced alongside depictions of the devil, while another group clad in traditional clothing performed Sufi whirling—a symbolic representation of good. Ultimately, the two groups clashed in a battle of good and evil with the forces of good coming out victorious. 

Students raised the Palestinian flag and placards in support of Gaza, and the MMD screen installed on stage lit up with slogans of ‘Free Palestine’.

The skit was met with loud applause and appreciation.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, a student of grade five, Zahraa, said that she was proud to see her school talk about such an important issue.

However, at the same time some parents expressed concern over dressing children up as the devil and creatures of evil as part of the skit. One parent said, “I liked how they brought up the issue of Palestine, but the dance with evil characters did not seem appropriate for a children’s skit.”

The annual day event also featured performances addressing issues like wildlife conservation and climate change, reflecting the school's commitment to holistic education.

Published in The Express Tribune May 10^th, 2024.