Cultural Differences Between Schools in South Africa and the United States: Part 1

Over the past two weeks I have spent my days at Emafini Primary School in 7th grade classrooms. During this time I have observed cultural differences between South African Schools and Schools in the United States.

Time -  In the United States the school day runs on a very strict schedule.  School begins and ends at a certain time and classes last for a very specific duration. Time is considered a precious commodity that is not to be wasted. Schedules are strictly maintained. In Africa, there is a more relaxed and indifferent attitude toward time.  Time  moves at a slower pace. At Emafini classes are scheduled to begin at 8:00am and that is when teachers begin to arrive at school. However, they do not always go directly to class and class does not start until the teacher arrives. Sometimes the teacher may have a meeting at 8:00 that lasts until 8:30 or later.  The teacher may stop on her way to class to make a cup of coffee or discuss something with another teacher.  Class periods have a scheduled time. However classes may go longer if the teacher needs more time or be cut short if the planned lesson has been completed. The fact that there are no visible clocks in the classroom speaks to the fact that time is not a priority in the daily routine. 

Substitutes – In the United Sates when a teacher is absent they call in and a substitute is secured for their classroom. At Emafini, and other South African schools, there is not a substitute system. If a teacher is sick they do not come to school and their class is unattended for however long she is absent. Student monitors make an effort to make sure students are working. 

Cleaning on Fridays - In the United States custodians clean the classrooms and the school building and grounds. At Emafini, different students are assigned to sweep the classrooms daily. Friday is cleaning day. At 12:00 the students clean the classrooms. All the desks are moved to one side of the room. The students sweep, mop, clean the chalkboards, and straighten up all areas of the classroom.