Teaching at the Tip: Cultural Differences Between Schools in South Africa and the United States: Part 2

Student Monitoring - In all of the schools I have observed, students are not as closely monitored as in the United States. For example, during breaks and lunch students are released from class to play, eat and socialize. During this time students are not monitored by teachers or other adults. This is a time for teachers to also take a break.

Students are also left without adult supervision at times during the school day. If the teacher has to use the restroom, talk to a parent or other teacher, or has a meeting, the class is left unattended. It is the expectation that students will continue with their work under the supervision of student monitors.

When students are left unsupervised they do act like typical children; talking, getting out of their seat, and goofing off. During break students can be observed wrestling, grabbing things from each other, kicking, hitting, etc. This behavior is excepted as play and students do not tattle or tell on one another.

In the United States, all student free time is micro-managed by adults. There is an expectation from parents that teachers and adults should have eyes on their children at all times and are responsible for preventing any injuries or unkindness toward their child.

Lunch - In the United States, school lunches are highly regulated by the federal government. Lunches are prepared by cafeteria workers and eaten in the school cafeteria. If students do not want to purchase lunch they bring a lunch from home. Lunch and breakfast are provided at a free or reduced rate for students who are from financially disadvantaged families.

At Emafini primary school, students with financial means often bring a lunch from school. However the large majority of students, eat lunch that is prepared at school. No breakfast is provided. Emafini is a fee free school and lunch is provided by the government. However, there is not a cafeteria. There is a small kitchen where women from the community come in and prepare the lunch. They receive for a stipend for doing this. Government regulations require the lunch consist of a starch, a protein and a vegetable. To ensure all students receive a lunch, the lunch is brought into each classroom in a large bucket like container. Plastic bowls are also brought in and the lunch is dished up and distributed to the students. Students must bring their own spoon from home. It is not uncommon to see students sharing spoons.

In the United States there are tight restrictions on snack food sold to students. In the South African schools I observed, snacks are sold to the students during lunch and break. Chips, candy, breads and fruit are sold. At two schools I observed women selling chicken feet and chicken heads.

Quote: You cannot achieve environmental security and human development without addressing the basic issues of health and nutrition. - Gro Harlem Brundtland