After working at Qhakaza for nine years, I had to leave the school. It was no longer receiving funding and had to close down. It was a sad day when I said good-bye. My experience had been a positive and fulfilling one – and was one I would not experience at another school. I left the halls of the community school and entered the buildings of the Gauteng Education Department.
My experience at the government schools were were all temporary because South African school boards at that time were not hiring permanent staff (in this way they saved on benefits). My experience at these schools were stifling and, because the high schools were so large, I did not interact with all the teachers working at the school. I was expected to follow many rules and fulfil expectations that had not been asked of me before. In addition, I was told what material to teach by the Head of the English Department. This did not sit well with me. I was used to planning my own lessons and doing group work with the children.
I worked in the South African government schools for a total of 18 months. After working at a post in a primary school, I married, had children, then became a stay-at-home mom.
© Colline Kook-Chun, 2015
(This post was written for the FMF 31 day challenge hosted by Kate Motaung. Today’s prompt: temporary)
Missed a post? Click here to read all my memoirs for the series titled Blackboard Scribbles.
9 years is a long time, it must be sad to leave the school.
LikeLike
It was. If they hadn’t closed down, I would have worked there for longer.
LikeLike
So sad you had to leave something you loved. Where did the children go?
LikeLike
The grade 12 class graduated and the other children had to find places at other schools.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It must have been hard for those who had to go to other schools.
LikeLike
I think it was. Unfortunately I never saw them again. Soon after I married, had children, and then moved countries.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You certainly have a very interesting background Colline, working for the South African government schools, must have been a very interesting learning experience, maybe a bit daunting I think, still it is part of your life which has contributed to your world as a very proficient Teacher, which is evident through your blogs.
Cheers
http://aussieian2010.wordpress.com/
http://aussieemu.wordpress.com/
LikeLike
The experience was no more dauting than my experience at the community school (which was definitely out of my comfort zone!). i went to school at a government school so the environment was familiar to me.
LikeLiked by 2 people