Zwelibangile – 05 August 2014

One cannot capture what I experienced today – every emotion and yet I am committed to making a difference. I arrived in Cofimvaba just after 8 to meet Mr Siyabata. The early start made a significant difference as we were able to take our time getting to the school before 09:00 covering a number of important topics on route.

It was a real challenge to turn off the main road and do some serious 4×4 driving in first gear crossing a river, negotiating an interesting driveway just to get to the community. The real challenge was to get to the school gate. Despite this we were treated as dignitaries on arrival and shown to a classroom accompanied by the school baby goat bleating in the background. Sadly broken windows persist and thank goodness the furniture graveyard was not encountered despite looking for it.

Due to the smaller number of learners in Grades 8 and 9 it was decided to do a full presentation to a combined class followed by an abridged version with the Grades 5 and 6.

Mr Siyabata and I came to the same conclusion once again that there is potential. This is evident with all the demonstrations where the learners are challenged beyond the level of their Grades. Each time individuals come up with new ideas which I had not considered which demonstrates that they have the spirit needed to go further one day. The demonstrations are not about content but rather an exposure to real technology, Science, Mathematics, Entrepreneurship, Career Guidance, Motivation, etc.

Each school treats me to the customary song at the end of the session and this time the teachers insisted that the Grade 1 and 2 classes joined in. Imagine being mobbed by 50-70 learners all wanting to be in the picture. The smile on their face and the determination to be in the front of the group said it all.

I have never felt threatened at any stage. On the Contrary. Yesterday I discovered that I had a puncture and decided to change it while the class was out for lunch. All the equipment including my iPad, laptop and camera was on the table. Nothing disappeared despite a number of learners being in the classroom. I may be wrong but I got the impression that the learners appreciated the trust that was shown to them and they did not disappoint me.

The roads to and from the schools is starting to tell on my vehicle. So far I have had one puncture and unfortunately lost the support bracket for my spare tyre while traveling on the rough roads. I wonder how the teachers cope with this problem getting to and from the rural schools. I take my hat off to them.

I would like to expose my students from NMMU to the reality of rural education so that they can experience the same euphoria in the hope of making them better educators. It is not about the content though I have come across schools where are no Science and Maths teachers AT ALL. I want to sit down and cry but I pick myself up and realize that the little time that I spend with the schools is making a small difference and I do see potential.