Children tell the truth about learning under lockdown
Education expert Jonathan Jansen has been collecting the written experiences of children having to learn while schools are closed under lockdown. Here are seven tales of triumph and travail from pupils under pressure
ETAINE WILSON, 18, in grade 12 at Kasselsvlei Comprehensive High School in Bellville, Cape Town
For me, lockdown was a challenge because I love to learn in a formal learning environment. It was really difficult for me because I do not have my own room to study in peace and quiet. My mother and I share a room, so at night I have to study at the kitchen table because I do not want to disturb my mom’s sleep. Or I go and study at my mom’s friend’s house during the day so that I can get my work done and meet some of my deadlines.
I started this exciting journey with my goal to receive distinctions and pass my grade well. Instead, it turned out to be a year where I am in fear, anxiety and depression. Am I going to pass this year?
My parents are not that well experienced with homeschooling because both my parents, I should actually just say my mommy — she’s a single mother who receives a social grant due to disability — she cannot help me because she only has grade 9, and my dad, well, let’s just say he only gives money when he feels like it because my mommy raised me all on her own. She made me the young lady I am today.
My mother spent almost R2,000 in two months for my
My goal was to receive distinctions. Instead, I am in fear, anxiety and depression. Am I going to pass this year?
online studies and she cannot afford to spend more because we need food in our house. So I told her I would use my resources such as my textbooks and my knowledge to study and finish my online studies. It’s hard because all my friends, well most of them, have Wi-Fi and let’s just say that not all are so kind to help one another. I have to work and sweat very hard.
I may not have all the resources like a laptop and Wi-Fi but I will do whatever it takes to become a social worker and make a difference in someone else’s life who is exactly where I am today.
I loved this experience. I’ve learnt to work under pressure and meet deadlines. I am going to make my dream come true even if it takes a lot of effort to get there.
One of my role models is [founder of the Women Lead Movement] Melene Rossouw, who is guiding me and helping me gain my self-confidence.
She is my constant motivation, which I appreciate. If it wasn’t for her and the women’s movement I would still be suffering from anxiety and depression and telling myself I would not make it.
My advice to matriculants right now is let’s achieve our dreams and show Angie that we will make it.
Man, the devil may think he got us but we got him. You know why? Because we got Jesus on our side. Let’s conquer the world and our education. I really hope my story can inspire someone. We may come out of difficult circumstances but our circumstances do not determine us.
AASHIQ JOHNSON, 16, in grade 11 at Darul Arqam Islamic High School in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town
If you were to ask me a year ago about my vision for 2020, I would’ve shared my aspirations of completing my schooling career in a new province and city, with endless opportunities. Experiencing a national lockdown as a result of a pandemic was definitely not on my vision board for 2020! This year is like a scene in a sci-fi movie, a terrifying nightmare.
But hey, let’s be honest, it hasn’t been all gloom and doom, right? For one, I can learn in the comfort of my bed (without having to wash my face or brush my teeth).
Who am I fooling, learning in bed is hardly a replacement for the joys of sitting in Mrs Adamson’s religious studies class as she jovially describes the various Abrahamic religions. I yearn to see the smile of Mrs
Dastagir as she explains the rules of concord, and Ms Abrahams as she answers our silly questions of when exactly we’ll use the rules of trigonometry in our daily lives. Sneakily playing dominoes with my friends and Mr Abrahams seems like a far-off memory.
I yearn for the days when I will be afforded the luxury of learning in the comfort of my classroom — a safe haven for many learners. I now understand the deep-rooted meaning of the phrase, “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” I have taken my teachers for granted. If anything, this lockdown has taught me that my teachers will always be there for me. Even when schools are closed, their constant messages of hope and encouragement inspire me to do my absolute best.
If I were to describe learning under lockdown in one word, it would be “overwhelming”. As a grade 11 learner the workload is daunting and although I am “fortunate” to learn via various online platforms, my mind often wanders to the plight of the thousands of 16-year-olds who are not fortunate enough to have access to basic human rights such as clean running water, let alone an internet connection. How do I learn effectively when my subconscious constantly reminds me of the plight of my South African brothers and sisters who are unable to learn under “normal” conditions, let alone a national lockdown?
On days when uncontrollable fears gnaw at my mind, I am reminded of the mantra of my principal, Sheikh Ebrahim Dawood: “You are the best and you have the goods to be the best!”
THOBEKA MKONZA, 17, in grade 12 at Tshanibezwe High School in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal
For the first time in 11 years of schooling I had to study from home and this happened in the worst time of all as I am in matric. Learning under lockdown has been a great and daunting experience for me. Studying from home meant I should have a Wi-Fi connection and at least a smartphone, if not a laptop. In my case things were different — I only had a radio and my textbooks. I decided not to ask for a smartphone and Wi-Fi connection because that would mean my family had to choose between those facilities and providing food for me as we depend on social grants for living.
To be effective in my studies, I created a study plan and a slogan. The study plan helped me to manage my