Menzi High School

Menzi Secondary School in the township Umlazi is where I spent my week and will spend the next week at. We entered the school and immediately noted the lack of resources and class space. Most students don't have books, or even a pencil and paper and the classrooms are filled with anywhere from 40 to 70 students.  Walking onto a campus like this I initially thought teaching the students would be difficult, I misjudged.

The students are so excited and welcoming to us. Every classroom we walked into students lined up to meet us, hug us, and perform for us. I have never seen so much talent in one classroom. The school is filled with dancers, singers, poets, and many more talented students. It seems that every student could stand up and sing to us, and not just sing, but belt; other students could stand up and simply dance, be it crumping or a more traditional Zulu dance. We were all so blown away by the talent.

We later got to meet a few students and are in the process of getting to know them as the practicum continues. The students told me how lucky they are to be going to Menzi, which has a 100% matric pass rate and boasts that 60% of their students go on to university. I have been observing Mrs. TJ's classes -- she teaches geography and life sciences (similar to biology) -- and have been intrigued by the lectures. The geography class focused on underdevelopment and the importance of education while the life sciences class focused on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and being nutritious. The classes were taught in an informal manner that seemed, to me at least, like a moral discussion to the students that they could apply to their everyday lives.

Next week I will be teaching a class on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and human rights. Words can't describe how ecstatic I am to teach the students something I am so passionate about and curious about. Especially since the Apartheid is still so prevalent, I am anxious to see the capacity level of the students in regards to human rights. Can't wait to keep you all posted on it!

Tomorrow we head to the South Coast (where Blood Diamond was shot) to go on a hike and go to the beach. I'll definitely fill you in.