Saga Volunteer Travel Projects

Project Name: Schools support

Location: Port Elizabeth, South Africa

This project involves far more than teaching! Based in the townships of Port Elizabeth, the project currently involves 7 primary schools (children aged 7–13) with programmes designed to empower hard-pressed teachers in desperately under-resourced schools as they work towards the overall well-being of their pupils. Over-burdened teachers, whilst committed to change, struggle to adapt, and need support and training.

Port Elizabeth is not only an attractive tourist city; it is also a fantastic example of the new emerging South Africa. The ANC started its struggle against apartheid here and the city was the first in South Africa to accept a black mayor. Port Elizabeth and its surrounding area is being renamed ‘Nelson Mandela Bay’ to reflect these strong local links. While South Africa is on the path towards becoming one of the power houses of Africa, the apartheid legacy remains – one of the greatest challenges is the growing gap between rich and poor.

While many of the township teachers are qualified and professional, the education system is in a state of transition. At the end of apartheid, South Africa had 17 different education systems, with different levels for different races, different training institutions and expectations for different teachers. It was an education system designed to prevent critical thinking, and was based on rote learning and minimal participation. Then, in 1994, it all changed – to an education system premised on democratic human rights, outcomes based, critical thinking and experiential learning – but still with the very same teachers, who have had to adapt radically and the disparity in resources between formerly white and township schools still exists. The education system is in transition, constant flux, and teachers operate with varying levels of skill and confidence.

Coupled with the challenges inherent in this change are the problems of large classes, social deprivation, HIV/ Aids and the resultant breakdown of the family. Teachers do their best under the circumstances, but often just need a bit of support and encouragement – and this is where you can make a meaningful contribution.

The schools involved in this project have been identified for their innovation and dynamism. Previous volunteers have observed that despite the deprivation they are joyful places and that the vast majority of teachers are professional and committed, and the children polite and eager to learn. One of the schools is New Brighton Primary School, where the Saga Charitable Trust has already funded basic improvements and set up a computer room, and the school has received many Saga guests and gifts.

The principals are keen to work together to share knowledge for the benefit of all. The schools themselves decide where their needs are greatest, and individual volunteer’s skills will be matched to these needs, also taking into account previous volunteer input.