Reflections on South Africa 2007

James Metz, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Kapi'olani Community College

Henry was seated at the computer in the back row of the room and I sat in a chair next to him. As Noble Kelly gave the directions, "Please type "Learner," Henry first looked at me anxiously and then began frantically searching the keyboard to find the letter "L", He found it, then looked over at me as if asking, "Do I press it?" I nodded. As soon as he pressed the key his eyes snapped to the screen to see his "L" and he flashed a huge smile, not hiding his amazement at what had just happened. Yes, this veteran teacher was touching a keyboard for the first time in his life. What a moment! He was soon typing and using the mouse and talking excitedly about how he "must get computers into his school". He was hooked. A native of Ghana, Henry loves teaching maths and science in South Africa. He has attended our workshops before and contributes much to the classroom discussions. He is bright and articulate, but simply had not had the opportunity to experience a computer. I believe "opportunity" is the operative word that best describes Teachers Without Borders South Africa (TWBSA). We try to provide the opportunity for teachers to meet with each other to exchange ideas - a simple plan.

This year we added a computer component to our workshops thanks to the efforts of Noble Kelly, a technology instructor from Canada. Noble is forming a Canadian branch of TWB South Africa to begin next year. We also had two outstanding science teachers from Canada, Lily and Elspeth. I joined veterans Carl and Jen and newcomer Lynn in conducting the maths workshops while Lily and Elspeth worked with the science teachers. As usual, the work was extremely demanding, but working with our colleagues and learning from each other enriched us all. One of the main goals of TWBSA is creating an environment in which all of us as colleagues feel comfortable discussing, arguing, presenting, teaching and learning. Most impressive about the teachers in South Africa is their incredible thirst for knowledge and openness to new ideas. How invigorating and refreshing it was to be working with these teachers! Exhaustion came with the territory, but it was so sweet. As one teacher put it, "You are always "on", aren't you?"

The summer of 2007 was my fifth year with Teachers Without Borders South Africa and the experience is still brand new. No two days were ever the same and the challenges were always within arm's reach. We arrived in the midst of a nation-wide teachers strike. I vividly recall sitting in the office of Yunus Chamda (co-director of TWBSA) while Noble and Yunus Peer called teachers about the workshop and I prepared lists of people and telephone numbers. "Remember us, we are Teachers Without Borders and we are back in town and our workshop starts tomorrow. Do you think you can make it?" On the other end of the line is a teacher on strike taking care of her family. She is being asked give up 4 precious vacation days she could otherwise spend with her family and travel an hour into town in the cold weather to attend a workshop in maths and science put on by classroom teachers from the U.S. and Canada, and for which she will receive no credit and no pay. "I'd love to!" she says and then asks if she can bring some of her colleagues. I tell my friends, "We must be doing something right." Our workshops were successful even with smaller numbers than in past years, and we all came away better teachers for the experience. I struggle to find words that convey some sense of the feelings I have from contributing to this project in my small way. I am fortunate to witness education working.

All of what we do is made possible by a huge cast of supporters. I would like to mention just a few of these people. Gora Peer, brother of Yunus Peer, and his family have hosted us every year at their home in Sea Park, Port Shepstone. His son Adam was just starting high school when I first met him and now he is attending University of Capetown. He drove one of the vehicles for us during part of our stay. His sister Sarah was in high school when I first met her and she has now graduated from college and is to be wed in December. Ameena Peer, the mother of Yunus and Gora, is most responsible for our success in that she issued the initial challenge to Yunus (reflecting on her late husband's monumental work in education), "Now, Yunus, what are you going to do?" Thanks, Mom!

Pauline Duncan, former school principal before and after apartheid and former mayor has been a staunch supporter of our program from its inception. Pauline has performed an array of tasks for us over the years, including coordinating, securing venues and presiding at workshops. Yunus Chamda and Razvi Ahmed and their families have opened their homes to us every year. They are such dear friends. Several of my friends including Tim and Karen Wilson, Bob Gebhardt and Joan Monaghan have made generous monetary contributions to help this project. Kapi'olani Community College has supported me with professional development funds. It certainly does take a village.

South Africa is a vibrant country full of optimism, but sadly, we were personally touched by tragedy when two young men were murdered in separate incidents while we were there. One was the nephew of Mrs. MaKaula, one of our leaders in Mthatha, and the other a student that Noble had taken under his wing. Yes, there is too much violence, but we certainly hope that education is part of the solution. I want to thank Yunus Peer for inviting me on this journey, one much longer than I ever expected when I answered his invitation to go the first time, but one that I hope continues for many years. It is a fine journey.