July 23 13

Comments:

A Psychotherapist came to visit me after seeing the article in the Tatler! She feels that education is in a bad way, the standard and the management (lack) of funds. She also expressed frustration over the education department experimenting with various curriculum's and approaches to learning, and is exasperated by the apparent lack of fundamental literacy skills in graduating students, as an outcome. Sound education and mental health are the corner stones of a functional society. She is very excited and encouraging of The Educators New Clothes!

The mother of a teacher said that her son (teacher) had found teaching difficult due to unwillingness on the part of the learner and teaching conditions (size of classes).

A man spoke of his struggle to educate himself amid economic and social disadvantage. He was finally able to matriculate at the age of 24. He has encouraged his children to obtain tertiary level qualifications, as basic education is insufficient for better employment. He feels that youth are discouraged to study and develop themselves due to crime (“gangsterism”). He says that a life of crime seems more attractive as it apparently has immediate financial reward. An honest life lived with integrity seems to be one of struggle and hard work. He is very encouraging of art and creativity, is excited by The Educators New Clothes and invited me to Gugulethu.

A young man having completed his degree said that he initially found university very difficult. He has found employment using the skills he studied for (chemical engineering) and is saving up to study further in this field, over seas.