Won't back down

Last night I went to the movies and saw “Won't back down.” I was inspired to hope that we can also change schools in the Eastern Cape.

Of course it is a different setting with completely different historic circumstances, but I also saw a few things that we need to consider.

Teachers, why are you teachers? Is it still about the education of the children or has it become about money and job security?

I know that it is not an easy task that you have in your hands – the lack of facilities, finances, large numbers of learners in classes, discipline problems, loads of admin, parents' lack of involvement...The list goes on and on.

The challenge posed by this movie is: How does teachers remain focused on teaching children the best they can?  I think the answer is by being accountable.

It was good to see the courage of a mother to confront a school system that has gone bad. I think we need more parents like that. People that are not only concerned about the future of their own children, but also about all the other children who's parents won't stand up and speak out.

Of course this does not give parents a Blanco check to interfere as they like. There must be trust in teachers qualifications and good intentions. Where the facts on the ground and in the community's statistics paints a different picture though – parents and teachers need to take hands and work hard for change. It will take courage and commitment, but I can tell you this – if they don't, nobody will.

Yes, there is an important role government must play in education, but will they play it if nobody insist on it? And if they don't or can't get to it yet, what should parents and teachers do in the mean time? Wait? Or role up their sleeves?

Evelyn