Gift of the Givers Vuwani Teaching Project - seeking further educators

After 2 weeks teaching classes of between 50 to 87 matriculants in the Vuwani area, we are happy to report that the Catch-Up program was successful in the following subjects: English, Life Science, Geography, Agriculture and History.  

However, specialised/knowledgeable educators are still required for Accounting, Maths, Business, Economics and Physical Science.   

Resources have been very limited. While Gift of the Givers completes the repairs on Radzambo Secondary School, the second week of classes resumed in Chief Matsila’s conference room. There we had access to projectors, internet and laptops where we were able to effectively apply online resources, including Mindset video’s (http://learn.mindset.co.za/xtra/lessons). We showed students how to access and use the mindset information for the weeks leading towards the exams. Mindset is a well known education NGO, their content is aligned with CAPS, the videos are excellent and are well detailed for every chapter. 

On Friday the 17th we were honored to receive Gabriel Temudzani, a well known actor in the T.V soapie Muvhango. He spoke to the learners, motivating and encouraging them to do well, be the driver of their own lives and succeed.  This sparked passion within each learner and the need to be the best they can be.  

Gift of the Givers donated student packs containing maths sets, pens, glue sticks and exercise books to all matriculants.  

Students attending class in the second week are as follows: 

• Monday: 87 students
• Tuesday: 84 students
• Wednesday: 84 students
• Thursday: 65 (Half day due to Youth Day)
• Friday: 50 students

Two replacement educators have volunteered to assist the learners starting next week. The matriculants have a week to themselves where they were given various activities and past exam papers to test their knowledge. The stronger students were instructed on how to help those who are struggling with any content and how to teach them in turn based on their own understanding. Chief Matsila himself is ensuring that this happens during the course of this week.  

We are certain the learners will keep motivated and carry on with their studies. We wish them the very best for the exams and hope that the Department of Education will be able to confirm a writing date for them soon.

Report compiled by Gift of the Givers volunteer, Laure Lombardo, 0786696734