After completing St James we moved on to Cofimvaba Senior Secondary school round the corner from St James. These two schools were not on the original list but I was asked to include them in a session as part of the request from Mr Mgijima. I now understand why. Cofimvaba SSS is a very new building with a principal who is very dedicated to the task. She runs the system very efficiently and welcomed us to the school.

We were taken to the Science Teacher and told that there were over 400 Grade 10 and 400 in Grades 11 and 12. The logistics of setting up in an open area made it impossible and we resorted to setting up in the school hall with a full PA system and data projector.

The large numbers provided an interesting dimension to the process which my NMMU students were rather concerned about. The challenge was to engage as many learners while showing them as much of the equipment as possible. This was achieved through the use of a data projector and the built-in web cam of a laptop focused on to a strategic area of the desk. I use this technique often in my lectures and it was my student who suggested that the equipment be set up in this manner. I was impressed by their suggestion.

I am confident that through the use of “edutainment” and drama the learners were given a demonstration that was of the highest calibre. This included the dynamo, wind energy and hydrogen fuel cells but excluded the solar cell demonstration. On checking the total number of questionnaires returned it was discover that over 50% were not collected for whatever reason. It would appear that the larger the group the greater the chance of the questionnaires not being returned which was detected by Jade from the visit to the region last week. This would certainly account for the lower numbers overall.

These values are based on the initial questionnaire counts from the learners.

Average 91.6 learners per session

It was detected as in once school as many as 40% of the learners did not hand in their questionnaires for some reason. This was picked up in the difference between the head count and the questionnaire count.

The weather was still overcast with a slight breeze from the west. We noticed evidence of a Hydrogen Fuel Cell electrical backup system on the school property but sadly there was no electricity once again. The school was busy with some form of testing process but had agreed to release the Grades 4-7 learners for the demonstration.

I identified a perfect spot in the school playground to set up next to a raised veranda. The table was brought out along with the equipment and soon we were surrounded with in excess of 200 eager learners. Where we lost out on the solar panel and wind demonstration at previous schools they formed a natural build up hydrogen fuel cell component.

One noticeable difference between the smaller and the larger demonstrations is that it is more difficult to firstly notice the learners with potential and secondly to tag their questionnaires for future reference. There was one very bright young lady that was able to articulate her responses to the questions posed. She was also upset that I had not heard her offering suggestions as to how the output of the wind turbine could be increased.

Despite the language barriers I continue to be impressed by the eagerness to learn and the ability to interact with the demonstrations. Given the fact that five staff members were in attendance I am confident that they will continue to extend the content through recalling different aspect of the demonstration in their lessons no matter what subject they were teaching.

Departure from the farm outside Cathcart was before 06:30 as we had a long way to go and were planning to be there for the start of the school day. Light rain was falling which put a dampener on our plans to hold an open air session as there was no electricity at the school.

I am always impressed with the view of the Kei valley as we approached Zenzile. The scenery makes the bad roads worthwhile. I was able to point out the different schools to the students as we drove along recalling different experiences at each location.

We made it in time to see the learners congregating in neat rows demarcated by small stones for assembly. The learners were ranked from Grade 1 to Grade 7 with the smallest in the front and the tallest at the back. As they assembled they spontaneously burst into song which grew louder as more learners arrived. What an experience to witness these learners sharing in the joys of life.

We were shown into the Grade 1 classroom which was the largest venue. What struck me was the absence of any light fittings. Approximately 150 learners shuffled in and took their places on benches making the room rather full to say the least. An additional seven staff joined in the session as well which was encouraging to see. Once again they were so engrossed in the demonstration that they put their hands up to answer the questions or simply shouted out the answers. This raised the issue of the demonstrations having an impact on the teachers as well through exposure to the technology and different pedagogies.

Both Jade and Esme took a different component of the lesson and did exceptionally well in presenting their aspects of the demonstration. They had observed two previous sessions which included subtle changes in the manner in which the information was presented based on how the learners responded. I commended them for their efforts and was able to link all the different components as part of the conclusion of the lesson.

We arrived at Cofimvaba at 08:05 as per usual and decided to report in at 08:15. My attention was drawn to an official I had communicated with the day before and decided to seek advice from them. We established that Mr Mgijima’s car was on the premises but eventually resorted to phoning him. He indicated that someone was allocated to accompany us but they were nowhere to be seen. After 20 minutes I resorted to locating the school on my iPad, sought confirmation of the directions and off we went.

I am always impressed with the scenery especially the little pass overlooking the Kei river. After some 5km of very bad road and slow driving we drove into the school grounds of Zigudu where we were met by Lucas the Principal. What a delightful person who was in total control of a well-managed school. He had allocated the Grades 6, 7, 8 and 9 learners as the others were busy with tests.

The learners were very different to the previous day as they could not be enticed to interact with the content. Language and cultural differences were evident but despite this many would go through the motions of indicating the answers through gestures. When asked to explain even in their own language they would shy away. None of them took up the offer to repeat their answers in isiXhosa to the 4 teachers who were present in the demonstration.

I did notice that there were more girls responding than usual and hammered home the importance of delaying child birth until after their studies. This included the importance of not taking Mathematics Literacy which would exclude them from the vast majority of university course that that may wish to embark on.

There was evidence once again of large solar panels to generate electricity but sadly the solar panels were either very badly damaged or simply missing. Even the blades of a local windmill were missing which was used to supply water to this community at one stage of its operational life. The absence of electricity at the school drove home the point of the use of alternative energy sources.

The customary singing was enjoyed by all allowing some of the more mature members to enjoy a Madiba Jive as well.

On route out of the area we stopped off at Zinzele to establish what time they were expecting us in the morning. Due to the absence of any large venue the request was made to make use of the veranda if the weather permitted allowing for the demonstration to all the Grade 4, 5, 6 and 7.

Ntshingeni JSS

We (Esme and Jade – university students from NMMU and I) arrived outside the Cofimvaba Education Department District Office by 08:05 after an exciting trip taking the back roads from the Coverside farm outside Cathcart. It was a windy morning covering everything with dust which made it very uncomfortable for everyone.

On arrival I sent off an SMS to notify Mr Mgijima that we were outside as per usual. The local hardware was visited to purchase a packet of screws to take with to schools. This used up a few minutes but by 09:15 the delay was too much. I went into the offices to look for guidance only to be told that Mr Mgijima was delayed with examinations somewhere. I asked for directions to Ntshingeni School as I knew that he had made all the arrangements. By 09:30 we departed from Cofimvaba arriving at the school after 10:00.

We were allocated a hall where the Grade 8 and 9 learners were waiting in neat rows with desks. I requested that they remove the desks and arrange the chairs closer to the front of the hall to make it easier to see the equipment. Unfortunately there was too much light filtering into the venue to make use of the data projector so ignored this component of the presentation.

Once again it did not take long to identify talented learners. One of the boys was exceptionally talented and answered the angle of the blades question with respect to the wind turbine. This showed great insight despite potentially not having experienced anything similar in the past. He was really chuffed with himself and will certainly make a good engineer in years to come.

Directly after this session the Grades 5 and 6 were lead into the venue and the same trends were identified. I tasked Esme and Jade to also mark the questionnaires of the learners who they thought showed talent. It was remarkable the degree of overlap we had. The experience for both of them is a powerful reminder of the bipolar education that we have in this country.

We returned to Cathcart via Queenstown to pick up supplies for a chicken potjie in the evening. The beauty of nature is very appealing especially when even the crickets retire after 20:00.

Preparing to visit Ntshingeni, Zigudu and Zenzile schools in the Cofimvaba district on Monday to Wednesday next week as part of the Cofimvaba Rural Schools Fuel Cell Education Initiative. Thanks to Mr Mgijima from the Cofimvaba Education Department for all the arrangements.

My NMMU Science students (intermediate Phase teachers) were exposed to exactly the same demonstrations this week as part of a section on Energy. The response was very positive as they will have to deal with the same topic and misconceptions when they enter service in the near future. The response from the rest of the staff has also been exceptionally positive with many reporting that they want to accompany me instead of the two students that I am taking with. Sadly the end is in sight as the journey has been most memorable.

Despite the emotional roller coaster ride I remain positive that there is incredible potential that needs to be nurtured further.

Average = 77.6 learners per school

I was able to meet the school the day before which meant that the customary stop in Cofimvaba was avoided. I was able to be at the school gate by 08:15 after an early and frosty start from a B&B in Queenstown as I have become very accustomed to finding my way around this area. One thing I have learnt is that when in Rome do as the Romans. I have noticed that the local drive slowly in very well defined tracks to avoid punctures and I trust that this observation will prevent any further mishaps.

The school was a far cry from all the other venues that I had been to. Mgcawezulu is a brand new school having been revamped and opened in January 2014. The official opening is scheduled for later this year. Everything was well laid out with a very modern and colourful pre-school on the school grounds. I am always overcome by the smiles on the faces and the waves from the small children as they skip their way down to classrooms eager to face the day.

It was decided that the Grades 8 and 9 would be combined into one session followed by a combined 6 and 7 demonstration as a shortened session with not as much detail if there were time constraints. 5 teachers sat in on the lesson and were so engrossed with the content that they often blurted out the answers forgetting that I was asking the learners. This enthusiasm was also encapsulated in the teachers wanting to complete the questionnaires as well. I have come to realise that the teachers are also benefiting from the sessions from a science content perspective as well as fundamental pedagogics.

Sadly the school had not had any electrical connections since the beginning of the year claiming that there were issues relating to the electricity provider in the region. The main office had a paraffin heater being used for the dual purposes of heating the room as well as water for tea/coffee. This must certainly be a major challenge in the delivery of meaningful education. Added to this was the issue of furniture and missing screws. Learners must spend their days shuffling frames for benches, wooden slates and other forms of furniture between classes all day as there was certainly not enough for all “bums on seats”.

My impressions were that this was a good school and that the learners have been taught well. They were responsive and gave positive answers when required. Again I came back to the recurring theme of the fact that there is talent out there.

At the end of the session I was leaving the school grounds and had to have one of the learners unlock the front gate. A young man who I had identified as having potential gave me a big friendly smile as I offered him some sweats from my tin in return for him opening the gates for me. He was about to take just one but I could see in his eyes that he longed for more. When I said he could have more his hand opened and he was pleased with his rewards. I spoke to him briefly and it turned out that his brother is a qualified engineer and he is also planning on going the same route. I commended him for his efforts and wished him well.

The journey home took me towards Cathcart where I took a road less travelled. Turning right at the last hill before Cathcart the dirt road led to Whittlesea (between Queenstown and the Nico Malan pass on the R67). The sight was well worth the effort from the top of a short pass before the town. With all the stops and casual driving I arrived in PE over 6 hours later, tired but happy on a job well done.

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.