The role of parents in values education with special reference to the situation in Venda (Northern Province)

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:It is true, to say that education in Venda in the Northern Provincewas experiencing and is still experiencing problems. Manyschools in Venda - primary and secondary schools - have lost theirvision. Statistics reveal that there is a large number of failures anddropouts at these schools with discipline dropping in almost allschools. Learners are no longer committed, they go to school late,they do not wear uniforms, they are not prepared to devote timeand energy to their studies. They boycott classes and spend longperiods of time not attending lessons. Daily classroom routines nolonger receive their utmost attention, homework is not doneresulting in many failing their examinations every year.In some of the schools, especially in the secondary schools, manylearners are arrogant. They no longer respect their teachers andsome schools have developed into battlefield - learners carryweapons such as guns to schools, they stab their teachers andprincipals with pangas and they also fight each other.The Research has revealed that many learners are unprepared forthe responsibilities of being a student.On the other hand teachers also embark on strikes, sit-ins andchalk downs as some teachers are no longer loyal to theirprofession. They go to work late and leave early. At the end ofthe month they do not even go to work, while those that go, sometimes are unprepared for their lessons. Child (learners)abuse is also rife in some schools.There are also areas in the Province where learners do not receivestationeries, textbooks and prescribed books during the course ofthe year. Some learners are still taught in shanties built by thecommunities while some learners in the rural areas are still beingtaught outside, under trees.The research revealed that the situation which is prevailing inschools in the Venda area can be remedied by better relationshipbetween the different stakeholders : parents, teachers, learners,Department, communities and churches. Of all the stakeholders,the parent is regarded as the primary educator since all others like .teachers, the Education Department, communities, churches etc.are assisting the parents in the task entrusted to them by God.The results also revealed that many parents in Venda do notparticipate in the education of their children causing poor results,high dropouts rate and the absence of discipline in the schools.Therefore, the role of parents in values education with specialreference to the situation in Venda is significant. The effectiveinvolvement of the parents in these situations can be the bestremedy. They are the most important stakeholders in creatingconducive teaching and learning atmosphere.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University