Inside the Magic Classroom
As we reach the end of the first term, it is with great joy that I inform you of the progress we have made since the inception our Classroom Based support programme. This year we began with a two day long workshop in January focusing on the Grade R and 1 educators both at Qunu and the Bizana schools . The workshop was chock-full with educators and veterans, reviewing their experiences on different areas and activities of the previous year. Their reflections were on changes brought about by the Magic Classroom in their schools. They commented on so many different levels with praise, moving from feelings of being overwhelmed to some of being motivated to go beyond their call of duty. Quoting one teacher who said “I and the learners become so comfortable, we enjoy it so much that we do not even notice when it is home time ….., the classrooms are a haven away from home”. Some bilingual support materials which were designed and produced by the NMI Team were also distributed.
Nelson Mandela Institute launches Mandela Day in education
The Nelson Mandela Institute launched its Mandela Day education initiative, called “Six ideas to step in”, at the Nelson Mandela Foundation today.
The Institute in partnership with the Department of Basic Education and supported by civil society organisations and leaders are calling on people to use Mandela day to make a difference in education.
A walk in someone else’s shoes
Trailing train tracks of thought I find myself on a passenger seat staring through a window, humbled by what I see. I stare as we pass through the dusty roads of rural Mqanduli on our way to some of the schools the Nelson Mandela Institute works with. The purpose of this visit is to join hands with members of the community to repair windows, paint walls and clean the school yard in preparation for the school’s re-opening.
Nobuntu Mazeka in Farmer’s Weekly
Nobuntu Mazeka, one of our esteemed employees, is well known for her commendable work as a human rights activist and organic intellectual. Nobuntu is a founding member of Buyambo Food Security and Seed Bank Project, practising alternative forms of organic farming as well as training in this respect. She is driven by the desire to change the lives of people for the better and her philanthropic work has had a significant impact on the environment in various school communities.
Lives on pause for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™
I woke up feeling troubled on Friday, June 4, six days before the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.