Inkcubeko nendalo

Dr. Peter Giovannini defines bio-cultural diversity as a term that describes the link between the cultural and biological diversity on the planet.

Today we spent the day at Rhodes University in Grahamstown, South Africa.  We attended a lecture given by Dr. Michelle Cocks on Bio-cultural diversity. Dr. Cocks and her husband Dr. Tony Dold have conducted research and studies on bio-cultural diversity in and around Grahamstown for the past decade. They have written a book Voices in the Forest which explores the link between people and nature in Xhosaland. From their studies, along with Mr. Mluleki NKosi, they have developed a curriculum for high school students.

The program Inkcubeko nendalo ( culture and nature) is based on the premise that students need to take ownership of conserving natural resources to prevent future lose of culture and biodiversity. Students learn that if natural resources are not protected and used wisely the ultimate cost is not only the lose of resources but also of indigenous knowledge systems and ultimately South Africa's heritage (Cock and Dold).

After the lecture we were able to visit Nombulelo Secondary School and sit in on a tenth grade class. Mr. NKosi was giving a lesson that is part of the Inkcubeko nendalo program. The program focused on the 9 biomes of South Africa, six of which are accessible from Grahamstown. We then toured the medicinal garden planted on the school grounds. The school gardens gave students the opportunity to see and learn how to identify indigenous medicinal plants. I thought it very interesting when I learned that 80% of the population used medicinal herbs.
Our final stop was a short hike into the forest. The native Xhosa people believe the ancestors are found in nature and in order to connect with them you must go into the forest and sit quietly and listen. We were accompanied by 12 students who were led by Mr. NKosi in an exercise to help them connect with nature. He had them sit quietly, close their eyes and use all of their senses to experience the nature around them.
I had a previous understanding of how people depend on nature for their basic needs and how proper management of our natural resources are necessary for our future survival. The trip to Grahamstown led me to the understanding of how not only do our basic needs depend on nature but our cultural diversity is interweaved with the diverse nature found on our planet.

Quote of the day: Cultural heritage and cultural identity are reliant on continual access to plants, animals, places, and spaces that in there entirety make up indalo (nature and biodiversity). - Michelle Cocks and Tony Dold

                                                     

First Days at Emafini

I have now spent four days at Emafini Primary School. I have been observing and teaching in seventh grade classes. On Friday and Monday I observed in math. The students were working on place value and expanded notation of decimals to the thousandths place. Students were completing classwork that was written on the chalkboard. As they completed the work they brought it up to the teacher who checked the problems. Students then returned to their seats to make corrections. At times the teacher would model on a student's paper how to correctly solve the problem. The next time the class met the teacher went over the correct answers and the students corrected their papers. Then they completed another classwork assignment from the board. 

On Tuesday I observed a social sciences class, an English class, a technology (science) class, and an isiXhosa class. The students had textbooks for each subject. They choral read a section of the book then completed an activity in their notebook. The textbooks for technology and social sciences were in English. After the students read, the teacher would clarify or explain the concepts in the students native language, isiXhosa.  

Wednesday I had the opportunity to teach the English lesson and the social sciences lesson. In English I had the students change direct dialogue to indirect dialogue. The sentences in the book were too difficult for the students so I generated simpler sentences and we completed the first half together. In social sciences I modeled how to use a chart to take notes on what they were reading. We focused on only writing down the most important facts. 

Observations and Reflections 

I was taken aback by how crowded the classes were. All of the classes I observed had 40 plus students. The classrooms were small and the students were packed in very close. Each class had a very worn chalkboard. Many of the students chairs were missing backs. The students kept the classrooms clean. 

The students wear uniforms. Some of the uniforms were very worn and had holes in the sweaters. However, all of the students I observed were well groomed and their uniforms were clean. The students were well mannered and respectful. 

I observed very little interaction between the student and teachers. The learning I observed was surface learning and there was not much focus on higher order thinking. Students who did not understand the work did not receive remediation or extra help. I did not observe students raising their hands and asking questions.  

Despite all the obstacles, the students worked hard and took pride in their work. They freely shared their supplies with each other and were quick to help each other. They had a great desire to complete their work correctly. 

When I first entered the school I immediately noticed what the facility lacked and the shortage of staff. However, I quickly felt the joy and excitement that radiates from the students and fills the classrooms.  

Quote of the Day: "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world" - Nelson Mandela

Nakanjani

We have spent the past two days at the Love Life Center. The center is a community center for youth. The program at the Love Life Center is a leadership program. The program teaches youth that despite their circumstances they have the ability within themselves to create their own future. They teach the youth personal values as well as skills they can use to reach others in the community. For example, the youth run a radio station where they can broadcast their message and offer the youth and others in the community advice on how to maintain good physical and emotional health. The Love Life center has programs that link youth to many support services.

As we toured the center it was evident that it was an oasis for the youth; a place that uplifts them and values them as assists to society. I was struck by the positive energy and self-understanding demonstrated throughout the center.

My takeaway from the center is hope propels us forward.

Quote of the day: 

Ubuntu

Yesterday the day began with an introduction and tour of Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. During the introduction the values of the university was shared and explained.   

• Respect for Diversity  
• Excellence  
• Ubuntu  
• Integrity  
• Respect for the Natural Environment  
• Taking Responsibility  

Most of the values were what one would expect from an institution of higher learning. It was interesting but logical to see respect for the environment as a value. However the value of Ubuntu was unfamiliar. When questioned about its meaning, Ms. Tohiera Moodien, the representative of the university, explained it is an African word. She went on to describe Ubuntu as the concept of our connectiveness and humanity to others; I am what I am because of who we are.  

As we toured the university and went on the city culture tour, it was easy to see how Ubuntu is part of the culture. The university strives to be inclusive of all races and cultures. They are making efforts to make their university accessible to everyone. The students were not only welcoming but also very willing to share their experiences and struggles. They were gracious and wonderful hosts.  

For me the highlight of the city tour was visiting the Donkin Reserve. From the mosaics that represent the history of Port Elizabeth, to  Anton Momberg's tribute to the countless women, and finally to the voting line sculpture it is evident how a connectedness has developed in the community of Port Elizabeth. 

However, as we journeyed into the township of the Red Location, it is clear that despite the great strides made to encourage and support Ubuntu, a great divide still exists in the country. The disparity between the races and the classes is monumental. So in the spirit of Ubuntu, if I am what I am because of who we are is true, then we as a global community are all responsible for each other and should be a part of closing the disparity not only in South Africa but wherever we witness it in the world. 

Quote of the day: "We cannot survive without each other" - Ms. Tohiera Moodien

The Adventure Begins

Through a grant from UNCW, a team of 12 teachers and our administrator have been given the opportunity to visit and teach in South Africa.  Today was the first day in Port Elizabeth. I am so excited to have this opportunity! If today is any indication of things to come, this trip will be invaluable in growing my view of the world and its culture.

Today we worked with the Volkswagen Group and their Show of Hands volunteer program. We traveled to Htlemeza Primary School in Uitenhage. My team painted a mural in the room that would be the library. Other volunteers were landscaping and making structural improvements to the school. When the students return to school on Monday they will find their school has been transformed into a welcoming and cheerful learning environment. They are going to be so excited! They will even have restrooms for the first time thanks to the many volunteers who constructed them.

Today I take away an understanding of the amount of effort and sheer determination it takes to make sure the children of Htlemeza, and many others like them, have access to education.

Quote of the Day
"The Titanic was built by experts but the Ark was built by volunteers."