South Africa values education to the fullest,
believing that is the key to changing the world. But sometimes this is easier
said then done.
"South Africa is ranked 132 out of 144
countries by the World Economic Forum. A lack of quality teachers and severe
home conditions in rural areas has resulted in some South African provinces
having 80% of schools classified as failing" (Wise).
Basic Education Minister Angie
Motsheka revealed in a recent speech that 1,700 schools are still without a
water supply and 15,000 schools are without libraries.
Education is the building blocks for individuals
and communities alike. When an individual is educated, it not only benefits
them, but also the community at large. Aristotle had the idea that moral
education “focused on the collective, allowing children to be schooled … with a
curriculum which reflected the values and norms of the community at large”
(McMillan 535). This is an interesting claim because it is a common concept for
us to want our children to learn acceptable means of communication and ways to
be in society.
Education becomes prudent for society because it
teaches social norms and values. Yet schools in South Africa still suffer from
the legacy of apartheid that ended 17 years ago. Poor teacher
training, lack of proper funding and corruption is what's creating this
disaster for the youth of South Africa.
Where do we start to help fix this? What steps can
we take to change this? Plans to create reforms and budget adjustments are
what some South African government officials are working on, but it basically
comes down to having the courage to initiate the change.
McMillan, Leah. "What's In A
Right? Two Variations For Interpreting The Right To Education."
International Review Of Education (2010): 531-545. Academic Search Premier.
Web. 6 June 2013.
“South Africa education crisis fuels
state school exodus.” BBC News: Africa (2012). Web. 17 June 2013.
Wise, Nicole. “Solving An Education
Crisis In South Africa With Mediasite—RMIA Rapid Deployment Finalist University
Of The Free State.” Mediasite (2013). Web. 17 June 2013.
I really enjoyed reading your post on education in South Africa. I too am researching educational rights and have not got a chance to research on this country. It is a shame that so many young children are not given the opportunity to get their education because of the economic status of the country. When I look at all these other countries it makes me appreciate what is available to us here in the U.S.
ReplyDeleteElduvina Fraga June 19, 2013
ReplyDeleteEducation is the most powerful weapon
Yes, education is a powerful weapon, but in countries such as Africa, kids do not have access to a quality education. The government and resources are not equal for all people in Africa. Many organizations, however, do help children, as well as other sectors of the population, set up their environment in a way to increase their opportunities to an education. I believe governments still need to improve and invest in schools because it is the only way they can truly reach the goal of providing a quality education for all.
On the other hand, elementary and secondary education is free in the United States and as parents we often don’t encourage our kids to take advantage of all the opportunities they are given to obtain a higher level education. The level of motivation regarding education for our youth is low. Sometimes, we expect the government and others to do all of the things we are supposed to do to educate our kids. In Africa, they don’t have the same resources we do. Sometimes they have no food to eat; African kids often die death because of starvation. However, our kids, who sometimes feel entitled or privileged, throw their food in the trash. As parents, we need to get involved in our kids’ education in order to help educate them. Then, maybe sometime in the future, they can help others who are not as fortunate and who want, or deserve, better opportunities.