Blog Posts

Some shafts of light amongst the gloom

ONE OF THE more interesting parts of my volunteer work for the Eshowe Community Action Group is going on site visits to some of the rural schools where ECAG has provided expensive infrastructure like classrooms, toilet blocks and science laboratories.

Last week was particularly good for that because ECAG had a visit from two of the board members of US-based NGO Africa Classroom Connection. This Minneapolis-based charity has so far raised enough money to pay for 153 classrooms,

Six signs your child may be struggling at school. . . and what to do about it

EVERY parent wants the best for their children and, of course, their education is a major part of that. However, it’s almost inevitable that you will be absent from the room when your child is at school (unless you are an educator and your child is also one of your learners).

The result is that most parents learn about what is happening to their child at school from the world’s most unreliable source – the child themself!

The Swiss professor and the missing ingredient in the school room

ANYONE who has ever had to deal single-handedly with a normal two-year-old of either gender for even a few hours knows one thing. Two-year-olds are sponges: they suck in knowledge at such a rate it is exhausting for an adult to watch. And they generally have such fun doing it. They are not put off by mistakes and, indeed, they personify the late Sir Winston Churchill’s offering on the secret of success.

Understanding your child’s learning style(s): A short guide for parents

As parents, we all want the best for our children, especially when it comes to their education. However, every child learns differently, and understanding how your child absorbs, processes, and retains information can make a world of difference in their academic success and confidence. This is where the concept of learning styles has a serious effect on your child’s educational journey.

The Bela Act and home language instruction in South African schools

SOUTH Africa’s education system is as diverse as its people, with 11 official languages and a rich cultural tapestry. For many children, their educational journey begins in their home language, which is then replaced by English as the medium of instruction starting in Grade 4.