Features Investing in a skilled workforce In 1995, Thabo Dikobe’s* goal was to become an electrical engineer. His mind was set and nothing was going to prevent him from realising his dream. He started his studies at the former Johannesburg Technical College (JTC), but in his third term misfortune struck. His parents divorced and his mother, a domestic worker, could not afford to pay for his studies.UK backs global plan for Africa education British Finance Minister Gordon Brown announced United Kingdom backing for a global education rapid reaction force designed to provide schooling for millions of African children in war zones or fragile states. In an attempt to replicate the success of the Red Cross and Medecins Sans Frontieres in health, Brown will provide £20-million to flood areas where education systems have broken down with “clusters” of skilled personnel.Language is alive The best way to teach a language to children is to make it as lively and fun as possible, says Veronique Tadjo, an award-winning writer and newly appointed head of French studies at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. Tadjo, who was born in the Ivory Coast, was awarded the Grand Prize for African Literature -- 2005 for her book, Reine Pokou.An affirmative departure Schools may well be feeling helpless in the face of the spiralling rate of HIV infections, especially in the 14- to 25-year-old age group. Learners resist the information that is officially on offer and we don’t seem to be hitting the mark. But a recent survey may prove to be a lifeline to educators, and set us thinking creatively about reaching our learners.Careers for all tastes Choosing a Career is a collection of 10 books that discuss various career options for young people who may not want to attend university or acquire a university degree. The books appear to be targeted at learners from grade 10 upwards, as they begin choosing subjects at school that will prepare them for life after they receive their senior certificates.Libyans hop to English Hip-hop came to Libya last month, courtesy -- improbably -- of the British Council, introducing a novelty to a country hungry for contact with the West after its long isolation. This was light years away from the council’s fusty old image of Shakespeare and morris dancing, and a measure of just how much Moammar Gadaffi’s Jamahiriya -- the world’s only “state of the masses” -- is changing as it comes in from the cold.Going bos the family way ‘Would you like to go and have a look at a rather large African rock python?” game ranger Werner Miller politely asks the guests relaxing around the swimming pool at Thandeka Lodge. Simultaneous cries of “Yes!” give him his answer and in minutes his Land Rover is laden with passengers readying their cameras for the shot of the century, writes Sharon van Wyk.Making sense of banking Most people have a bank account, but few understand the terminology banks use — and this can have a direct impact on your pocket. Paul Maggott, spokesperson for ICE, Old Mutual Bank’s young, urban market offering, says many commonly used banking terms are misunderstood, or not understood at all.Nepad e-Schools project launched President Thabo Mbeki has launched the first of South Africa’s six new e-Schools — schools equipped with a computer lab stocked with servers, PCs, printers, faxes, scanners and copiers linked via wireless connectivity. The launch took place at Maripe Secondary School in the Eastern Cape as part of the pan-African Nepad e-Schools demo project.Salaries reflect teachers’ worth Human resource development starts with teachers -- professional men and women who teach primary school children to read, to write and to do arithmetic and who engage with high school learners to become critical thinkers and problem solvers. Teachers are building the foundation for South Africa’s future.Literacy: African style The annual Time of The Writer Festival, held in Durban recently, was a time to reflect on the works of emerging and established writers from around the world. It was a time to showcase the power and meaning behind the written word, and the general process of writing. For a week, what has taken human society thousands of years to develop and cultivate -- writing -- became the centre of attraction.Rewarding excellence Mmamosadi Monareng, Thamsanqa Makhathini and Colin van Tooren are category winners in the annual Aggrey Klaaste Mathematics, Science and Technology Educator of the Year Awards. Their hard work and dedication has won them each 20 computers for the schools they serve.A culture of caring Feeding the needy ICT boost for Mooi Nooi Reach for the stars Teaching joins the tech age Leading IT company teams up with govt A helpful lifeskill When hard work pays off Making her mark early Awareness starts at school Strong minds need healthy food Suffer the children Getting into the maths mix Thriving on love Stop the bullies Prize plastic to be had Embracing herself Lost in translation An interesting enough read Home for the holidays Avoid the debt trap Credit control Brown's emergency school squad A new lingua franca BEE for teachers and learners Celebrating our journey to freedom Teaching the teachers Protecting intellectual property Reaching across the continent Tempers flare at college Previous
theTeacher volume 12, number 4, April 2007
Editor's desk
How quickly the year goes by: at the end of this month, you will be taking your first break of the year. This is another reminder that you should make use of every second, minute or hour profitably because, before you realise it, exams will be upon you.
Read more
Looking for a school?
Find the right school for you with one search: nursery, primary, secondary, further and higher education, adult education or universities!
Search now