I shared my experiences with my students from NMMU during lectures after returning from my second visit. After lengthy discussions some of the students expressed an interest in joining me on the visits to the Cofimvaba district.
Discussions are underway to seek permission for the students to see education in rural communities and to reflect on this exercise as part of their training. The intention is for the students to observe the lessons for 2 days and to interact with the learners as well. At the end of each day there will be an opportunity to reflect on what transpired during the lessons which I am confident will have a positive impact on their perceptions of education. I am also confident that the learners may also deliver the last lesson including interacting with the hydrogen fuel cells as well.
The second part of the commitment will be for the students to conceptualise and execute a mini research project as their contribution to the process with the possibility of publishing their findings. At the first informal meeting the idea of a community project emerged where the students raise funds for the schools as well. The suggestion was to purchase wood and screws to repair some of the broken desks in the schools.
The third visit is scheduled for the week starting 04 August.