Alex churns out its own best in education
ALEXANDRA – Alex's success stories in education continue under the radar.
Despite a negative tag of crime and other social ills, Alexandra also churns out, unnoticed, some of the best results in education.
The tag which projects the place as a failure, makes it seem unable to convert its human resource potential into enlightened and useful citizens for the country’s development and transformation. This can be countered by one of the best initiatives from a 23-year old programme by Alexandra Education Committee which has been sharpening the township children’s academic prowess.
It takes them from primary to secondary school, tertiary level and into the working world as professionals in fields of:
- Science, focusing on information technology, plant and animal sciences
- Medical, in health science and health support services
- Arts and science, including visual, performing, language and communication
- Social careers in creative services and law enforcement
- Engineering and trades
- Business sciences, including clerical, secretariat, financial management, management and planning, marketing and sales.
Organisation director Paul Channon said about 400 beneficiaries – starting with small numbers at inception, have excelled from the initiative including in vocational and personal skills paths to help them lead independent, fulfilled and professional lives. “It starts with meetings with schools in and around the township to select, through applications, Grade 7a with academic potential, good conduct and hunger to advance and better themselves,” Channon said.
He added, “They are eager to overcome the overcrowding, noise from the streets, music from taverns and parties and incessant hooting of taxis. “Their determination and focus and impressive smiles and confidence in interviews convince us of their burning desire to achieve their goals in life.” Channon said they don’t wallow in self-pity but want to change themselves and their families’ circumstances.
Members Kate Wong, Sydney Seolonyane, learners Thembi Masuku, Pule Ramadisha and Gugu Tshabalala, member Paul Channon. Photo: Supplied
Sydney Seolonyane, the career guidance counsellor said external financial aid from partners, though limited, supports 176 children this year including some in Grade 7 who receive maths and English coaching after schools, weekends and holidays. “We transfer them from the township schools for secondary education at Highlands North Boys’ and Waverley Girls’ secondary schools in Highland North and Waverley and, Sekolo Sa Boroko Secondary School in Randburg.
“The bursaries include transport, meals, food parcels for home consumption, support with counselling and improvement of their living conditions.” The total of 35 supported in last year’s matric all passed with Thembi Masuku obtaining five distinctions, Pule Ramodisha and Gugu Tshabalala getting four distinctions each, two more with three distinctions and the rest with university and college entry passes.
The centre also attributed the children’s good performances to compliance with disciplinary conduct, high work ethic and mentoring arrangements. “We just don’t pluck out the best potential from township schools but also plough back through teacher improvement programmes to help them cope with classes of 60 pupils per teacher ratio,” Seolonyane added.
Parents of the children are involved in the initiative through meetings and partner the centre’s councillor to ensure the work ethic and determination don’t falter throughout the contract term. According to Channon, girls who outnumber the boys seem more diligent and focused than the late maturing and casual boys.
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