NMMU Missionvale Campus

NMMU Missionvale  Education building

 On Friday afternoon, we were invited by the Principal, Mr. McKay from Emafini, to attend a meet and greet dialogue at NMMU Missionvale Campus at the New Foundation Phase Building School for Initial Teacher Education that is housing the education majors. Currently the 3rd and 4th year students are here, however, next year it is planned to have all the education majors at this site.

        Introductions were hosted by Dr. Deidre Guduld BEd Foundation Phase Head of Programme,  A short welcome speech was presented by D. M. Moeng.  The comment that stood out to me was that this space is a space for community and not meant to be a white elephant.   Community seems to be a very important aspect of the people living in this area. In writing this, I must include that there were a number of area school leaders were present, parents of the community schools were invited and students from this campus were invited to share their thoughts.

     The topics that came up as a concern of teachers and the university learners included: student teachers need to get into the classrooms, not just the privileged schools, but the community schools as well. Workshops need to be offered to assist teachers in their fields.  Class size needs to be reduced.  Buildings are not for the number of students housed.  The gap needs to be bridged between teaching in their mother tongue and in English.  Another outstanding comment from a college student was that learning is a two way street.  There are mutual benefits when young student teachers work with experienced teachers.
When I look at this list, I can see some of the same concerns in NC where I teach.  We have a newer school, however, eleven mobile units were brought in to house everyone.  Although our class sizes are not as large as they are at Emafini, it still is difficult for one teacher to be responsible for the learning of so many children.  I applaud the people of this community  to be willing to identify some of the challenges they are faced with.  That is the first step.  I prefer to have an optimistic view point thinking that now that these situations are identified, lets work on them.  Are they going to be conquered this year or the next?  No, not at all.  In fact in may be 10 -20 years...but this is a start.