(http://thepassionchronicles.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/woman-in-tears1.jpg)

 FROM TEARS TO PEACE OF MIND

There are a number of reports on abuse taking place within the learning environment; some of which are believed not to have been reported.

One may wonder:

“What exactly goes on inside a person’s head that leads them into physical violence? What emotions do they go through before and after the actual act?”

Some might argue that this is something that only the “abuser” can convey. Whatever it may be, it has left scars in the hearts of those who have fallen victim to such acts and yet to others, wounds that seem to be taking forever to heal. Unfortunately, we cannot go back in time and change that.

There are, however, a number of organizations, projects and campaigns that are taking a stand against abuse within the learning environment namely:

• SAVE – Students Against Violence Everywhere

• RAINN – Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network

 Just to name a few. Such organizations are acknowledged for their efforts.

EARS IN THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

In my own opinion, having a body that represents learners – in any learning environment - is a good initiative.Learners get to voice their concerns with the hope of being heared.

Take the University of Johannesburg for example; it has a body known as the SRC (School

representative council) which exists in order to:

• represent and act in the interest of the student community at all times;

• promote and uphold the principles of the University of Johannesburg’s SRC;

• be committed to the process of fundamental transformation of the University of Johannesburg;

• ensure that the right to access to education is restored, protected and preserved;

• ensure that no student is discriminated against on the basis of colour, race, gender, religion, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, age, culture, language, birth, pregnancy, marital status, disability, conscience belief or political inclination.

• support students and student organizations by creating forums to achieve common goals;

• encourage and support the development of efficient student governance through maximum participation and co-operation between the different levels of student governance;

• uphold and support the vision, mission and strategic goals of the University;

• promote academic diligence and excellence among students.

http://www.uj.ac.za/EN/AboutUJ/Governance/StudentRepresentativeCouncil/Pages/StudentRepresentativeCouncil.aspx

The Kingsway campus SRC members during the VCT Week

http://www.uj.ac.za/EN/News/Pages/IOHAdeterminedonHIVtesting@UJ.aspx

TOOLS FOR SOUTH AFRICAN PROGRESS

There is still hope for a more literate South Africa. A number of undertakings have been established in order to improve South Africa’s literacy level.

One of these undertakings is the Kha ri Gude project which was launched in 2008, aimed at improving the literate and numeracy rate of adults above the age of 15. (http://www.kharigude.co.za/)

However, according to the United Nations Development program report published in 2009, South Africa ranked 107 with an 88.0 literacy rate. In 2011, the United Nations Development program again released another list which depicted South Africa as ranked 113 still with an 88.0 literacy rate. (http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_litearcy_rate)

Looking at these statistics, one will immediately notice that South Africa has dropped from a rank position of 107 to 113.

This is questioning as to whether or not campaigns aimed at improving South Africa’s literacy rate are actually achieving their goal.

Are these projects really helping? What do you think?