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Education is very much part of what is on my heart. I teach art and tutor children in maths, Afrikaans and IsiXhosa. It is a thrill to be a part of a child's development and learning. God has opened the door for me on so many fronts and I am so grateful for this. Talking about education is an obvious route. This weekend I had the opportunity to discuss with a friend about Special Needs Education in South Africa - something very close to HER heart. She is a champion of sorts in this field. We talked of the struggles and challenges to Special Needs Education and the overlap between school and special needs and those children struggling with learning for one reason or another.
How can school better support those children who struggle?
What happens when children fail?
Are there schools that can help children who fail?
How do these kids slot back into mainstream schooling?
Do schools want children that struggle?
These were some of the questions we were asking each other and have few answers for.
I think these are very relevant questions in today's world of education. I think many of these questions find an easy answer in Homeschooling. But Homeschooling is not without its issues and it is not something that everyone wants to do.
So, we press on to try and find some answers and good solutions.
God is at work!!
The conversation led on to some of the things that are happening in our Government schools where the less affluent and less fortunate go to learn. None of these stories are new to any of us because if you read the newspaper regularly you will from time to time come across these deeply sad and shocking stories. They each highlight the tragedy of education in our country. 20 years on from democracy children should be getting a better education. It is one of the rights of children in our land. While all children are in school - and that is something that has changed from the days of Apartheid, the quality and quantity of education is questionable. I can list the terrible stories but I will not.
Except to say that the overall problem seems to be one of a real lack of leadership linked to vision and a will to really DO what needs to be DONE.
When I look at our school in contrast I am reminded of the privilege we have in education and what a variety of areas that our children can and do experience. Sport, music , art , drama and then all the learning in the classroom. Yes we have our issues BUT our children are being blessed by learning and growing in safety and with teachers who care, work hard and a head that is leading and has a vision.
I am an optimist.
I believe in people.
I really believe that we ( South Africa) can turn this cart around. With the right people in place and the will to do it , it can be done.
With this in mind I began to trawl the Mail and Guardian on Sunday. I came across this brilliantly uplifting article.
' Love of Rugby trumps racial stereotypes" by Victoria John
It tells the beautiful story of a high school in Limpopo deep in the heart of traditional white racism. This school coach has turned things around. He has boldly and with determination brought the best players into the team. 9 out of the 15 are black. These kids are excellent players and this school is winning left right and centre. In the midst of racial taunts and abuse this team focuses on The Game and it is working. Unity and building into these boys by a wise and brave coach has meant that a small but certain change has taken place.
It takes one person to stand up and do what is right.
This story blew me away and warmed my heart. In the midst of the chaos that was left from the brokenness of Apartheid, are people. Individuals like this man who are scattered across this land. They are DOING what is right and little by little they are bringing change.
I salute you Andre Hay and your amazing team.
God I pray for many more people like this to be raised up.
Lord we beg for mercy for our education system in this land.
Lord have mercy!!
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