4.Ebenezer 24-05

Grade 7 (223)

Friendliness must be infectious in these parts of the world. I am given a warm welcome wherever I go the moment I introduce myself as being part of the Domba Trust. Jane the Deputy Principal met me even though I was there an hour early. I had confirmed with D G Tsebe what times feeding was but I wanted to find the school well in advance.

Watching learners, especially the teenagers interact with each other during breaks is always very interesting as they display their asynchronism to attract attention, especially the boys when girls are around. One that stands out is the lack of physical aggression to establish dominance that I have observed in other regions. These are proud learners and one can see it in the way that dress and how they wear the school colours. Despite being what I would call a warm day, many had several layers on. I suppose in comparison to the high temperatures in summer temperatures in these regions it was just below 20 degrees Celsius which must be cold for them.

Despite the presence of dirt roads surrounding the school it was neat and clean. We identified an area next to the school on the sports ground and set up camp there. The learners arrived and the session was conducted in the warm Mokopane sun.

I am confident that there was not much of a language barrier and without fail a learner identified the solution to the turbine problem. Yes, there may have been others who had the solution but due to peer pressure did not indicate the answer. It is these situations that are used to reinforce skills needed for things such as interviews where they will be expected to present themselves as being knowledgeable and confident individuals who can get on with the job.

I am also encouraged to see individuals willing to take on artisan types of careers rather than pursue the pure academic routes. The economy needs both types of individuals with significant numbers as artisans.