school is a privilege

Here is another update on the schools.  We visited a total of six schools in three days.  At each school, we taught primary and secondary school students, know as ” learners”.  Part of our curriculum was to explain the daily life of students in the US with pictures and maps.  The learners were very inquisitive and asked many thoughtful questions.  They asked how long it took for us to arrive at the school and how much it cost.  The answers to these questions – over 20 hours and over 14,000 RAND per person was very hard for these children to understand.

Sibekezele Secondary School learners with Tammie

The daily life for these children includes walking anywhere from 2 to 10 kilometers to school five days a week which can take up to 1 1/2 – 2 hours each way.  As we visited the schools, we can see that there is still a definite need for classrooms.    For example, the Sibekezele School was still teaching Mathematics outside under a tree with a chalkboard. 

Sibekezele math class under a tree

I was struck by the amazing spirit of the children.  Every child was so proud to be receiving an education.  Also, they were very excited to perform for us – dancing and singing.  The children performed traditional songs   - their voices were so inspirational and beautiful. They were very excited that we came to visit.  For these children, school is a privilege that they take seriously. 

Sibekezele learners with Bob