KaNyamazane
South Africa, KaNyamazane Schools Project, 2008
The KaNyamazane Schools Project is Tenteleni’s biggest and most established project. In fact, Tenteleni’s origins lie in KaNyamazane, with links made in 1998 at “Tenteleni Primary School” from which the charity has taken its name. Tenteleni’s long-standing presence in the area has made for some strong relations having been built with schools on this project. The project facilitates placements for approximately 20 volunteers so would suit individuals who would enjoy the challenge of living and working in a larger group. Volunteers are based in hostel accommodation in Mpumalanga’s capital city of Nelspruit and from Monday to Friday travel by bus to work in the nearby township of KaNyamazane. As such, volunteers on this project will truly experience the contrast between westernised urban life and the vibrant township culture. The majority of volunteers work in primary schools but for those who would prefer to work with older children the project also offers the unique opportunity for secondary school placements.
Nelspruit
Nelspruit, situated 358km east of Johannesburg along the N4
corridor to Mozambique, is a traditionally conservative Afrikaans
town fast transforming itself into one of South Africa´s most
racially integrated cities. Restaurants, shops, banks, internet
cafes and even a few bars are available but safety restrictions on
the project mean they are not always easily accessible.
KaNyamazane
KaNyamazane is the closest township to Nelspruit, approximately 20kms to the east. It was established in 1968 after people were forcibly moved from the township of Mbombela to provide labour for local industries. Housing is mostly formal but there are some mud huts and shacks, especially around the boundaries of the town. The township faces problems of overcrowding, and under-provision of services. KaNyamazane has a bustling atmosphere and the centre has amenities you would associate with any modern town.
Placements
The schools, suffering from the legacy of apartheid, are
under-resourced, under-staffed and over-crowded. Teachers are
forced to contend with the relatively new Outcomes Based
Education system and curriculum for which they are unprepared, and
lack the materials to facilitate effectively.
Conditions do vary from school to school, however most have the basics such as electricity, running water, tables and chairs, and some textbooks. Sanitary conditions are far from desirable and undoubtedly contribute to the poor health of many children. Classrooms can contain between forty and ninety learners, which can often be amalgamated or left unsupervised due to absent teachers.
Volunteers act as teaching assistants within the placement schools. The aim of the volunteers is to inject imagination and enthusiasm into education; provide the basis for cultural exchange; support youth issues including HIV and AIDS awareness (where requested); provide invaluable English language tuition (pupils sit exams in English despite this not being their mother tongue); utilise small group learning techniques to target those children falling behind in class; and share skills, ideas and experiences.
Though Tenteleni does not expect volunteers to teach
independently some organisations do request it. However, by
encouraging volunteer-staff partnerships, volunteers will have a
more sustainable impact. After school volunteers will aim to
initiate or assist with existing extra-curricular activities such
as sport, music, art and drama.
Tenteleni has volunteers in the following school
Placements:
·
Buhelebuyeta Primary School (2 volunteers)
·
Catfulani Primary School (2 volunteers)
·
Lekazi Primary School (2 volunteers)
·
Masihambisane Primary School (2 volunteers)
·
Sitintile High School (3 volunteers)
·
Tekwane Primary School (2 volunteers)
·
Tenteleni Primary School (2 volunteers)
·
Thandulwazi Primary School (2 volunteers)
·
Timphembeleni Primary School (2 volunteers)
·
Vulamasango Primary School (2 volunteers)
“Most of the first week was spent observing different teachers and classes. First impression was that we wouldn’t be used that much, but after the second week this changed and we were fully involved.”
KaNyamazane volunteer, 2007