Campaigning for a school closer to home
Melinda Smith has become the driving force behind the 'school for St Lucia' campaign
ALL parents agree that education is one of the most important things in life. Safety is another.
When it comes to St Lucia, however, parents are forced to choose between the two.
There are an estimated 100 children in St Lucia and Monzi who are receiving home schooling.
Currently, the only options are to send children to Mtubatuba, Hluhluwe Privaat Skool or Grantleigh. With the Mtubatuba school turning children away, the other two options involve an hour’s bus ride on the N2.
Understandably, many parents in St Lucia have chosen home schooling. As with anything, home schooling has its pros and cons, but in some cases it’s just not an option. Perhaps both parents have to work or they’re concerned about the social aspect. Other parents in St Lucia love the flexibility that homeschooling allows and would never return to ‘conventional’ schooling.
Melinda Smith is one of the many parents who chose the option of homeschooling and her daughter, Mekaila, is now in Grade 5. Sending Mekaila on a daily commute on the busy N2 just wasn’t an option.
Safety was at the forefront of her mind. In her spare time, however, Melinda has been campaigning for St Lucia to open its own school. She has become the driving force behind this issue.
The notion has gained support from many parents in the area, as well as teachers, both retired and active. The next step is funding and a premises. Melinda has raised the issue with Mayor Ntuli of Mtubatuba Municipality who initially seemed interested, however, is yet to follow-up.
“My goal is not to make any money out of this, it’s to provide a service to the community and give the children of St Lucia the chance to get a good, affordable education close to home”, commented Melinda.
A variety of options are available, including Impak’s ‘micro-school’ system, which involves renting ready-furnished prefab classrooms, and the St Lucia Town Hall. Melinda is investigating these options, however, both require the municipality’s response – and she still awaits a follow-up to her initial contact.
An affordable schooling option benefitting all children in the area is what Melinda hopes to achieve but, for this, financial assistance from Mtubatuba Municipality or the Department of Education is vital.
Melinda’s vision is for the children of St Lucia to be able to cycle to school rather than endure a long, hot bus ride on busy roads. The latter is simply not conducive to a productive and successful school career.
