Education’s purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.

It is that time of the year again. Time for teachers to write their lesson plans and get their classrooms ready. Time for the administration to create time tables and endure a never ending amount of meetings. Time for learners to wash and polish their school uniforms and follow their feet back to school. Last but not least, it’s time for us here at EwB to get back to work at hand. This past week was the first few days back at school and was a generally exciting time. The Fezeka administration and teachers were a positive combination of still being on a high from the matriculation results from the previous year (over 70%) and coming back to school well rested and excited for the new year. The learners, especially those in the program, were looking forward to continuing their academic achievement and progress through this year. When stepping on campus, Vimbai and I were bombarded with hope and genuine excitement from all parties. Learners in the program were rushing to tell us about how they received code 5,6 or 7 on their final exams and wondering when the tutoring would start again. Others were rushing to Angeline to ask when they could come help out or hang out in the library.

Fezeka Teachers

What this means is that we as an organization have started to put the pieces together in the first, but important, step. That being fostering a communal sense of academic achievement. You cannot teach someone that does not want to be taught. You need to help instill a desire to succeed. Fezeka, especially the learners within our program, have started to create this communal desire to succeed academically. They hang out together, they study together, they are all in the same classes (pure maths and physics for most!) and they cannot wait to continue their successful progress. The light seems to have switched on with these kids. It’s nice to be pestered with “When is the program going to start again Courtney?” instead of the excuses “I don’t think I can go today because I have chores” or “I don’t feel so well” that crops up occasionally. Its palpable excitement, and a great way to start the year.