One factor we should consider when tackling the education system in our country is that learning begins at home. The learning of a child is a collective effort, in which everyone plays his part in the upbringing of a child. The education system has its limits. We should acknowledge that, and our society should also take part, instead of continuing to attack the education departments for its faults.

A child starts his lessons at home, and they end at home. Therefore, our community should also take initiative, by working together with our education department in producing a quality curriculum that will help our suffering children. The finger should not be pointing in one direction only, but also ask yourself: What have I done to add value in the life of my child and my neighbours?

In African culture, it was the responsibility of every adult in the community to take charge of the future of every child in the tribe. Any adult person had the right to teach or correct a young person, irrespective of his or her parents. Bringing up a child was a joint effort, among the community.

It is time our parents and school governing bodies worked together in formulating effective and efficient working methods, to improve the quality of our education system – not for us, but for our children’s sake.

Sizwe Mda