We visited a school on our way to the airport before we headed off to Capetown. It was a school built by the King in this specific location for his best and brightest students. It truly was incredible. The structure was huge with open spaces, as well as beautiful buildings for learning in any scenario, with a library I wouldn't mind living in. Everything seemed so grand; The smaller class sizes, the multiple elective options and the care that went into creating this school and taking care of its students. I was taken aback by the beauty that was Lebone, but was brought back to reality when my friend Sarah mentioned how sad she was. It made her upset to see all of this money go into this school when so many other schools and children were not getting the same education, not even close. If I needed an image of what the achievement gap looked like, it would be this. I needed that reminder. The achievement gap is so present and especially here, right in front of our eyes. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to inspire students who weren't able to attend this school that they were special and important enough to accomplish what they wanted in life and get an education. This is not to diminish the experience of any of the students that attend Lebone, it just showed me how important it is to make each and every student feel as though their education specifically, is seen as important by their community and most importantly their own teachers.
1 Comment
Rebekka
7/29/2018 10:01:04 am
I am so glad you brought this point up - and if you start to visit schools in the US (public, charter, and private) you will start to notice similarities as well. I am glad you are dedicated to addressing inequities and meeting the needs of public school children!
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Study AbroadThis June I have gotten the opportunity to travel to South Africa to observe policies and practices of the education systems. I will be working with students and educators from the U.S. and South Africa on a Changemaker Project. Our hope is to bring awareness to the different types of diverse learners in the U.S., South Africa and all over. Archives
August 2018
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