Matsulu
South Africa, Matsulu Schools Project, 2008
Based near the small town of Malelane on the outskirts of Kruger
National Park, volunteers work in the nearby township of Matsulu on
one of Tenteleni’s most established projects. Volunteers are based
in hostel accommodation housed on game parkland, which means the
odd visit from a local zebra is not unheard of on this project.
Furthermore, with the nearest signs of civilization located a
thirty-minute drive away, the location makes for a relatively
isolated but tranquil experience. Matsulu placement schools have
been receiving Tenteleni volunteers since 2001 and strong relations
have been built with the placements as a result. Volunteers assist
in local primary school placements and are transported there from
Monday to Friday by bus. As the project provides placements for
approximately 14 volunteers, this project is suited to those who
would enjoy living and working in a medium sized group.
Malelane
Malelane, is situated three hours east of Johannesburg along the
N4 ‘Maputo corridor’ to Mozambique. The town borders the
Kruger National Park and even has a gate into the park named after
it. The town boasts useful amenities such as restaurants,
shops, banks, internet cafes and even a few bars, but the lack of
transport between the project accommodation and Malelane means
visits can be few and far between.
Matsulu
The township Matsulu lies 40km to the northeast of Nelspruit and is a forty-five minute drive from the project accommodation. Although average incomes are low in Matsulu, income patterns are quite diverse. Housing is mostly formal, but there are some mud huts and shacks, especially around the boundaries of the 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:
· Benjamin Primary School
(2 volunteers)
· Enzani Primary School
(2 volunteers)
· Funindlela Primary
School (2 volunteers)
· Letsakuthula Primary
School (2 volunteers)
· Sehlulie Primary School
(2 volunteers)
· Takheleni Primary
School (2 volunteers)
· Tsandzanani Primary
School (2 volunteers)