Thanks, Vukoni. Here's another item on the same subject, from the Cape Times at http://www.capetimes.co.za/index.php? fSectionId=271&fArticleId=2522932 (ref. from a Google alert). Note in particular the last 2 paragraphs... Don
Change to optional English in SA schools seen as 'largely symbolic' by educators May 17, 2005 By Jaime Griesgraber An educational expert doubts whether a new system that is set to make English an optional language in South African schools will effect any real change. Minister of Education Naledi Pandor is expected to announce the new system today. "I think the status quo will prevail regardless of the policy itself," said Linda Chisholm, research director at the Human Sciences Research Council. "In reality, choices exist within the context of what is available, and educational resources are already extraordinarily strained." Chisholm said the policy of allowing schools to choose to instruct in English had been in place for "some while", and the stated change was largely symbolic. In the Western Cape, 11 schools do not offer primary instruction in English. Of the nearly 1 500 primary and secondary schools, 10 schools instruct in Afrikaans and Xhosa, while one school instructs only in Xhosa, according to provincial education department spokesman Ansaaf Samaai. Education MEC Cameron Dugmore said earlier this month that he would like all pupils in the Western Cape to have access to English, Afrikaans and Xhosa. But South African Principals Association executive member David de Korte doubts whether this is feasible. "The national curriculum is not sufficient to allow for three languages to be taught. ''It becomes a nightmare for the pupil," he said. De Korte is the principal at Camps Bay High School where the primary instruction medium is English. Afrikaans and Xhosa are offered as second languages, but he said he has had difficulty finding Xhosa language instructors. Four people applied for a recent post, but only one was experienced in teaching Xhosa, he said. "We're looking at a very small supply of those teachers out there," he said. Despite logistical problems, some experts believe that, in keeping with South Africa's constitution, pupils should be able to choose from the 11 languages for their instruction. Douglas Young, a director at the Centre for Applied Language and Literacy Studies and Services in Africa, said: "English is empowering but also disempowering. A lot of African-language speaking kids are being pushed by the dominance of English into abandoning their home language at a very young age." Young admitted that "in practice the resources are not there" to offer primary instruction in all 11 languages, but he believes that "we can't just be treating the symptoms forever". Young partially attributed unemployment and high drop-out rates in tertiary institutions to "the rush to English or Afrikaans". He said research showed that students have the most solid basis for learning when they develop their first language . -- --- In [email protected], "Vukoni LupaLasaga" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > -----Original Message----- > From: IRIN [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Sent: Thursday, 19 May, 2005 12:41 PM > To: Vukoni LupaLasaga > Subject: SOUTH AFRICA: Controversial education bill raises temperatures > > > SOUTH AFRICA: Controversial education bill raises temperatures > > [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] > > > JOHANNESBURG, 19 May (IRIN) - An ambitious government plan to shake up education in South Africa has set off a heated public debate, with some academics and opposition groups arguing the proposals will destroy the public school system. > > Authorities have pointed out that the series of tough measures, which would transform how South African children are taught, are part of a broader effort aimed at addressing past inequalities in the education system. > ... ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> In low income neighborhoods, 84% do not own computers. At Network for Good, help bridge the Digital Divide! http://us.click.yahoo.com/S.QlOD/3MnJAA/Zx0JAA/TpIolB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AfricanLanguages/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
