Contemporary Issues
The educational project at the Day Care Centre was not something dreamed up by the staff or board members. It came into being when the children asked for help with their school work. At first, just a few students wanted help, but then suddenly there was a demand for help and school books.
On investigation it was discovery that the educational system in the township schools was failing rapidly, and something needed to be done urgently. There are a number of reasons for this failure. First and most important is the fact that the language of instruction in the schools is English while all the children speak their native language, Sesotho. If the students do not grasp English in their early years they will have little chance of succeeding in their examinations.
Secondly, the schools are poorly equipped. Out of 24,000 schools in South Africa, 19,000 have no libraries, science labs or computer rooms. In addition, the township schools do not have enough text books for the students. In Tumahole schools, one text book has to be shared between six learners.
The standard of teaching is poor. Some of teachers do not have an adequate grasp of English. Added to these problems is the fact that many of the teachers are happy to accept poor results from the students. The education system is based on outcomes achieved by the students. In theory, no one fails their exams, they just have not achieved a sufficient level of competency to get a job or go on to third level education.
Even though the education system is collapsing, most of the students have expectations far beyond their capabilities. Many think that they can become doctors with average marks. Some believe they will automatically get entry into universities.
The government, in an attempt to stop the decline in standards and create jobs, has set up Further Education Training Colleges for those who achieved average marks. However, the situation is so bad that the students have to repeat English, Life Orientation and Mathematics, before they can continue their studies. If they fail those three subjects they are not allowed study further.
Relebohile Day Care Centre has divided its project into two distinct sections. The first is to help the school learners by providing extra English classes, help with their home work and study guides to grades 10, 11 and 12 for their final matric exam.
The second aspect of this project is to provide information for those who will complete their final exams and want to pursue a college or university course. They need to know when to apply to the relevant colleges and submit their marks. Most of them have no idea what sort of career they want to follow. The Day Care Centre tries to stimulate their interest and exposed them to career opportunities by providing information on careers and jobs. This is done through newspapers, exhibitions, talks and the data base that the Weltwärts volunteers have complied.
The project desperately needs English teachers and post matriculant volunteers who can help our students obtain better marks.