Soneike High School hosted the launch of a poetry anthology on Saturday 14 February, bringing together learners, families, teachers and community members to celebrate young creative voices of local writers.
The Valentine’s Day anthology, titled When Love Directs the Course, features contributions exploring themes of love, identity, spirituality and personal growth. The collection, published by Gavin Joachims Publishing, includes works in both English and Afrikaans.
School principal Ronel Baker described the launch as the realisation of a long-held vision to honour the creative voices of learners and alumni. “I had a dream in 2018. I promised poets who are now ex-learners that Soneike will have our own coffee table book with their work in our library,” Baker said. “In 2025 we got our library, and in 2026, our children are in a book. God is faithful. I’m gobsmacked and grateful.”
The anthology reflects the growth of a literary culture within the school, reinforcing the importance of storytelling as part of education and personal development.
Storytelling
The launch programme, directed by Joseph Jacobs, featured poetry readings including “The Season of Love,” “One Glance,” “Valentine’s Day,” “A Love Like Ours,” and “The Whole Heart”.
Awards were presented recognising various aspects of writing craft and artistic expression amongst the contributors. Learners and contributors shared their creative journeys, demonstrating how poetry can foster confidence, emotional expression, and community cohesion.
Publisher Gavin Joachims explained that the anthology was inspired by Kahlil Gibran’s reflections on love as a transformative force. He emphasised the importance of local storytelling and cultural documentation. “We must encourage people to write, and publish their work, so that our life stories and histories are recorded by us for us,” Joachims said.
The project received support from Samuel Theron of Cape Word Weavers. “Through platforms like Cape Word Weavers, emerging poets are encouraged to share their voices, refine their craft, and step into publishing opportunities that celebrate authentic storytelling,” Joachims said.
The publication serves as a notable achievement for Soneike High School, ensuring young poets’ contributions are preserved in print while highlighting literature’s value in community development.
“Through collaboration between teachers, publishers, and young writers, the project reflects a growing movement to document lived experiences and cultural narratives through creative writing,” noted Joachims.
When Love Directs the Course is available through Gavin Joachims Publishing.
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