Teaching In South Africa

While I spent most of my time with Messianic and Torah groups in South Africa, I also had the opportunity to teach two classes in the public high schools.  First some photos of the Messianic groups.  Not large but extremely ready and willing to listen and learn.

Now some photos in the classroom.

The public schools under the present government are tragic examples of the abuse of power and the lack of compassion for the oppressed.  School represents not much more than one meal a day for students.  In order to PASS, a student need only achieve 30% of the score.   This means that most students are functionally illiterate, even with diplomas.  Furthermore, in this school nearly 30% of the students are orphans.  Their parents have died from AIDS and other issues and most of these students are left caring for siblings.  These classes are the 11th grade.  Students range from 15 years old to 22 years old, still trying to get to 30%.  They are basically blank faces, dutifully following orders but clearly incapable of independent thought.  Teachers often view their task as simply a job and few take any interest in real education.  The instructor in this class was a welcomed exception.  What will emerge from this kind of education is a population that will do whatever the government tells them to do in order to be fed.  And they are here by the millions!  A sad day is coming, I’m afraid.