Lessons from UCT

This week has been extensive, exploring deep complex issues interwoven throughout many aspects of society, as well as multiple societies. Obviously, we examined a lot of information regarding South African schools. A lot of this information was mind blowing!

In South Africa, due to the effectiveness of apartheid in the past and struggles for widespread transformation and overhaul for equitable education, only 30% of South African children read at grade level. Although this may be remedial literacy, at least it is not illiteracy. However, what was more disturbing than this was my discovery of NEETs. Apparently, this term refers to children who merely dropout, disappear out of the school system, and all together. Actual statistics report 3 million NEETs, but in reality it is probably closer to 6 million. To imagine, 6 million children unaccounted for, not only by schools but by society!

In addition to this disheartening information, I was also extremely surprised to discover that unions practically run the schools over here. When one would think that the government would, it is really the unions according to experts and statistics, as well as heart wrenching stories. We were informed that a man who achieved a certain post in a certain school was murdered since he was from another union. Such a radical idea…

Lastly, I was surprised to find out that discipline in South Africa is a prominent issue. Everyone I every spoke to told me that I would not be concerned about discipline, since education is emphasized and valued much more here. However (and obviously this is not national and depends on the type of school examined), discipline is a large issue here so much that corporal punishment is used. Although illegal, corporal punishment is sadly still utilized because students are unaware of their rights. Consequently, it will be hard to see teachers in my school use this method on students. I don’t think I will have to because my principal doesn’t even adhere to O.B.E (Outcome Based Education), which is awesome of him. He does what is best for his students, teaching them the skills they need to have, rather than just to the tests they will face federally. After extensive days at UCT, it was great to not only get back into school mode, but learn a great deal about South Africa and critical issues pertaining to history, education, and social justice :)