The youth want freedom of education
BY: TENDAI SIBANDA |
| Apartheid struggle for better education-Soweto uprisings 1976 |
The Soweto uprising of 1976 was the watershed moment in SA history when the unequal access to education was made obvious to all. The youth generation sowed the seeds of a revolution that matured into democracy.
Youth need academic freedom and this should take the form of self discipline.
Education must be embedded in respect of young people who actively participate in their education journey.
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| Cry for better education-22 March 2011.Photo SowetanLive |
It must be approached in a way that compliments, honours and listens to each voice within it.
The country faces bleak future as it seeks to achieve a complete democratic society. Democracy greatest strength is the truth that people do think differently and resist propaganda.
Through public education societies allow individuals to grow their own values. This is my reflective anticipation that it is doubtful true democracy will ever lead to entire conformity to the kind of evil experienced by Africans under apartheid.
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| Wits University student protesting inside campus regarding higher education for all or no education at all.Pic Peter Mogaki:16/09/2009.Sowetan Live |
The strikes and mass demonstrations beginning each academic year in Universities and class boycotts in High schools is an attest that our country continues to faces a crisis in education even after 18 years of democracy-SAPA.
18 years of democracy won’t be complete without emancipating the youth through education. Those who are truthful about the times gone under apartheid regime will agree. This history means that the youths’ call for education freedom is reasonable.
This common agreement on the opinion cannot be erroneous for consent on how that freedom should be achieved. The government has done its best to ensure that youths have access to education.
The legacy of apartheid continues. In this age some youths believe that education institutions are not modern democratic in nature. Their understanding and behaviour towards the very institutions is pathetic.
Freedom without sense of duty and responsibility would be rebellion. Youths should respect learning places and mustn’t tolerate those who undermine the integrity of institutions.
The question arises what must education be to become democratic?
Voices from around Alice community, Eastern Cape
Prince Ncube, UFH, 3rd year Bsc “ ...I don’t understand education democracy, if education was for free as many suggests that will be a burden to workers as it means heavy taxation by the government to sustain it...”
Luxolo Nqala, UFH, 2nd year BA comm. Management “... social status should not determine the kind of education one get, there must be equal opportunities for everyone ...”
Sibonokuhle, Nzululwanzi High School “... input of leaners should be considered in schools, teachers and parents should not decide the curriculum for us. If they do it means we don’t have freedom of choice to decide what’s best for us...”
Ms Yose, Administrator officer, Lovedale Public FET College “South Africa must have its own curriculum and not adopt curriculum from other countries. The gap between traditional schools and modern schools should be narrowed...”
Mndileki Zoko, Treasurer PASMA, UFH 3rd year B.ed “... socialist education not to say zero percent fee but equal access to University. Education means freedom to Africa it should be in favour of us, free from corruption and bribes. It should promote black students if we learn western education we don’t have democracy we are still colonised through education....”
Praise Khupe, UFH 2nd year BA “...true democracy will be right to be heard, freedom of expression, diversity and equality for everyone...”
Learning conditions are inflexible to the most serious social issues of today. There is inequality in how schools are funded, bursaries awarded and the accessibility of NSFAS. These petitions make students feel worthless, stressed, isolated and academic excluded.
The education ministry need to address this issue through creating real opportunities for young people to experience the power and possibilities that education provides. The country has resources to provide education that is meaningfully, relevant, engaging and empowering.
The education system must be transformed based on respect of human rights, freedom values, responsibility, participation, collaboration and equality.
To create a more just and sustainable South Africa, we need education where future leaders will learn the principles and values of democracy.
This piece of opinion will raise a greater awareness and a better understanding of issues related to freedom of expression, transparency and democracy. It will promote youth participation and critical reflection on the education democracy.
sources.
3.http://www.info.gov.29/view/downloadFileAction?id=70295.accesed28 May 2012, 5.55pm
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