Maria on Privilege and Taking Education for Granted

Maria

When I was late to high school, it was usually because I was tired or lazy, and I could walk to school in about 5 to 10 minutes.  Now, as a teacher at Thandokhulu High School, I see my students battle their eyelids to try to stay awake even though many of them wake up at 4:00 or 5:00 in the morning just to get to school by 8:00am, and for many of them on an empty stomach.  I have been present for a lecture from a teacher at the school here where she told the learners (South Africans call all students "learners") that they had to work hard, pay attention, and always do their best to show that they appreciate how lucky they are to even have an education.  Education is so valued by the learners here, and maybe because it has to be.  For some students it could ultimately mean the difference between life and death when considering the danger of where they live in the townships and the limited opportunities they have to get out of them.  Some classrooms are a step up from storage units, writing utensils are not always readily available, they didn't always have desks and chairs like they have now, and the only toilet there that I've used does not have a toilet seat.  They are trying to raise money for a library, but they also do not have books for every student or internet access.  With this lack of resources, I've heard that research projects are a challenge and sometimes students have to pay for travel to and use of internet cafes just to get their assignments done.  Over the course of the last month I got so accustomed to seeing bars over all windows and doors on houses and stores, but it still took me by surprise to see the same bars in a school.  Even though the facilities and resources are not optimal when compared to certain American schools, it's still a heartwarming and lovely environment, which didn't happen by chance.  The staff and students alike worked hard to make it that way, and it is truly inspiring.

     
Thandokhulu High School used to be located in the township called Khayelitsha and had to share their facilities with their primary school for half of the day, which was very hectic and crowded.  High School is now held in previously unused buildings in Mowbray, and there is a distinct awareness that it is a poor township school that just so happens to be located in a generally white suburb area.  It costs 550 South African Rand to attend the school each year, which is about 70 US dollars, but not all of the students' families can afford all four years, even on a payment plan.  Only five educators are funded by the government, but there are about 50 teachers and they still need so many more.  My 11th and 12th grade classes range from about 40 to 50 students, while smaller classes would improve individual attention, grading, and specialized lesson plans.  The students travel from their homes in townships like Langa, Gugulethu, Nyanga, and Khayelitsha on their own every morning.  Students have to travel a long way to get to school, but parents see Thandokhulu High School as a safe-haven for their children.  Many schools that are actually in the townships are not doing well, and other schools around Thandokhulu are too elite or expensive, so this school is the best option for many families who can find a way to afford the tuition and transportation.  

     
Looking at the huge difference between my educational resources growing up and those of a student here with the lack of funding, programs, staff, transportation, amenities, facilities, and resources, I can't believe that I was an active participant in a community that didn't even care to notice how incredibly fortunate we were (and still are).  I am admittedly ashamed of this, and I wish I could've known about what I'm seeing now back then.