By Linford Molaodi
THERE IS STILL HOPE WITH COMMITTED, REPUTABLE AND DIGNIFIED YOUNG TEACHERS.
The South African education system is gradually being taken over by the sweet storm of young teachers, known to the elderly educators as maFundza (the Fundza Lushaka bursary beneficiaries). Critiques against these young teachers’ practices are prevalent amongst elderly teachers, principals and education leaders across the country.
The Fundza beneficiaries aka maFundza are generally said to be lazy, hard-headed, ill-mannered and possess Aweak pedagogical content knowledge. Nonetheless, Phenyo Koka, Zamokuhle Mthethwa, Ntwanano Concern Mabunda, Musa Chauke, Tshegofatso Matjila and Thabo Thabane are proving the misconceptions against young teachers wrong through their passionate, enthusiastic and dignified pedagogical practices.
maFundza Phenyo Koka
Based in their distinct geographical locations and schools comprising of learners with varied learning difficulties and cultural capitals, these extra-ordinary educational practitioners shine beyond basic typical teacher boundaries looking at their watch, hoping the time could run faster so they can go home and rest. They are often comfortable with their “old and usual” ways of doing things, and do not want to try out new ideas.
We have a better understanding of the learners’ ways of thinking
since we are young ourselves and can relate well with them. A school full of young teachers can be fruitful.
We are all born for a purpose on earth. None of us was born a mistake. It is funny how we grow up picking careers in our heads,and end up doing something different. Ending up being a teacher is a purpose and with it comes faith for this role.
It is not that easy to accept the shift, however the beautiful things about this is that we are where we are because we are capable to make an impact.
In you are all tools to make things happen. Expecting our peers or government to come through for us is normal, but does it empower us? Does it open room for us to gain knowledge and skills? Does it grow us intellectually? Well, it does not. Instead it teaches us to always complain and not be responsible.
We therefore, shift the blame when things seem to fall apart. Complaining about an overcrowded classroom and ill-disciplined learners while we fold our arms and wait for government to come through will not take our problems away.
We have the love, patience, and understanding that are already invested in us for such times as these, wher a teacher will look at their learners as his own children and guide them with love and patience. This earth is so big for the government to meet all its needs. After all, we are the government. Positive change must come from us.
My future plan is to mentor other teachers or be a lecturer.