The State of Education

from Elliott

A job posting that I saw at the Post Office made me wonder whether this High School in the Eastern Cape would have me as a teacher. It is seeking 'Qualified, Underqualified or Unqualified' applicants for current openings.Certainly that includes me!

Sadly though, this does not speak well of the state of education in our ministry area of the Eastern Cape. Class size here is high and it seems that the students are often lacking the opportunity they deserve. I have read recently that there are 65,000 teaching positions in the province with as many as 10,000 unfilled. Certainly, with so many without work in this country, they can find someone to fill the positions. Is it another example of short sighted leadership or the pervasive corruption or both?

Unfortunately, regardless of the cause, the students lose out. Life is already tough here for the learners but then to add overcrowding, inadequate facilities and limited opportunity for graduates, hope is already in short supply.    

Green Eggs and Ham

from Katherine

I read each week at several schools, but the Sirhasheni Pre-School tugs at my heart. As you can tell from the photo there are a lot of kids and very little room. They do set up an outdoor class room when the weather is nice.

Anyway, I was reading 'Green Eggs And Ham' by Dr. Suess. I asked the kids if they would eat green eggs and ham and most said that they would not. If you don’t remember 'Sam I Am' wants the other furry guy to try green eggs and ham. The furry guy will not eat them here there of anywhere!! Sam I Am keeps trying until finally the furry guy gives in, tastes green eggs and ham and LOVES them. Well the kids started clapping and cheering because the furry guy tried the food! I have never gotten a reaction like this! I thought it was the cutest thing. I asked the kids again if they would eat green eggs and ham and they said they would.

If you have never eaten green eggs and ham, grab the book, a kid or two, and some green food coloring. You will have a ball!!

p.s. this was my kids favorite meal when they were little.