June 16 is the day when South Africa commemorates the events of Soweto in June 16, 1976. That was the day when tens of thousands of Soweto students marched against the use of Afrikaans (the language of the perpetrators of apartheid) as the medium of instruction in schools. This event led to the sporadic eruption which spread throughout the country. During that march, a 13 year old student, Hector Peterson was shot and killed - a clear sign of the Police brutality unmasked.
Bridgman Centre played a prominent role in the life of a number of students when the schools were closed after the June '76 uprisings. It provided a home and a place of fun and learning. Students armed themselves with education while having fun with games. Behind the scenes they planned the future activities which were meant to circumvent the might and the brutality of the law - of the South African government of the time.Some 'school kids' came in the schooluniforms - Can you spot one?
We commemorated the 35th anniversary of this event at BRIDGMAN Development Centre - Zola Soweto. Eighty odd young people gathered on this year (June 16, 2011). We were blessed by the presence of the TIM participants who come from different parts of the world; India, Jamaica, Zimbabwe, Hong Kong, Madagascar Whales to name but a few.
We were also blessed by the presence of UCCSA local youth groups. The Krugersdorp Youth (on the picture) presented a drama - which was fitting the occasion. The TIM guys each presented something of their culture amongst the items rendered on the program was:- A musical item by Charlz (Bangladesh) singing the song he composed for his girlfriend
- Dance by Tieem (pronounced Sam) from Killibas Islands together with Beta (from Solomon Islands).
We were also privileges to hear of cultures from Hong Kong, Malawi, and other countries. They were 12 altogether.
Bridgman Centre continues to a home and an icon of the communities around . Viva Bridgman Centre !
We even had professional painters and decorators - all the way from Singapore American Schools! You guys did us proud - you left a huge 'mark' THANK YOU 
Who said the only sport that is played in Soweto is soccer? Few years ago I would have laughed so loud when someone would have proposed to introduce rugby as a sport in ZOLA ! Rugby has always been seen as a white man’s sport. Thanks to Mbuso Soko who, when hearing our call to introduce sports activities in Bridgman, just with a positive response. Mbuso is a member of the Bridgman Memorial UCCSA. 
He went and looked for donations – and we now have a full rugby kit. We also have his friendSibusiso Gida to assist him in the clinic. On the very first day at the rugby sports field a guy (came from nowhere) and offered to coach. He has Level 1 qualification in rugby coaching. All his expertises are his donation to Bridgman Centre. We started our Rugby Coaching Clinic two weeks ago. The first day we had only 10 boys (which hardly makes a team of 15 players). On the third day we had doubled the number. Watch the space. 
Bridgman Centre played a prominent role in the life of a number of students when the schools were closed after the June '76 uprisings. It provided a home and a place of fun and learning. Students armed themselves with education while having fun with games. Behind the scenes they planned the future activities which were meant to circumvent the might and the brutality of the law - of the South African government of the time.
We were also blessed by the presence of UCCSA local youth groups. The Krugersdorp Youth (on the picture) presented a drama - which was fitting the occasion. The TIM guys each presented something of their culture amongst the items rendered on the program was:
