TALK TO CHARLOTTE is a ‘talk show’ hosted by Charlotte Meyer, a third grade teacher at Pieter Langeveldt Primary School in Cloetesville, South Africa. She uses this show to help her students revise work and approach more serious issues that they experience, such as bullying and the numerous break-ins that the school has seen this year. She has guests joining the discussions, such as DJ Banana who controls the music, Dr. Apple who helps give advice about bullying, and Mrs. Strawberry who tries to bring the safety issues to the Department of Basic Education.
In this episode, they focus on raising awareness for the vandalism and crime taking place in their community. Charlotte talks to her students about what is happening to their school and how they can fix it with the help of people in the right places. There is a special appearance from Mrs. Strawberry, ‘a government official’ who hopes to get the student’s letters and posters to Angie Motshekga, the Minister of Basic Education. The students also present a quick, lively ‘runway walk’ and a touching tribute to their school.
Pieter Langeveldt Primêr is a Primary School located in Cloetesville, Stellenbosch (South Africa). It is 40 years old, has a student body of 601 and a teaching staff of 20. The school fees per child for the year is R400 ($30), however a lot of the parents are unable to pay this. The school is dependant on these fees, and the only other financial support comes from fundraisers or donations. This year, the school has suffered 16 break-ins. The classrooms were looted, power cables were cut resulting in no electricity, window clips were stolen, doors were kicked down, taps were turned open, causing leaks and other damage. This is just a short list of the ramifications.
Charlotte had the following to say in a quick interview: “As a school, we try our best to keep our students safe. As educators, truly, our lives are in danger. Every day you just thank God that nothing terrible happened today. Previously, two of my colleagues were thrown in the face with cattle faeces and other rubbish. Sometimes it is necessary to lock our classroom doors during lessons, even though it would be lovely to have some fresh air coming in- especially in the hot summer. My dream for my school is to have electrical fencing around the school, as well as security guards by the entrance while the school is open (ie. 07:00-16:00). Electric fences that actually work so that no one has access to the property and vehicles, without permission. “
21 сен 2024
