The foundation of a building determines its future, for you can only build a weak structure on a weak foundation. Due to the fact that a weak foundation is a risk to itself and the load it bears, we owe it to the children of Africa to give them a solid foundation upon which they can build themselves and the nations to which they belong.
I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to teach a wide range of learners from early years to adults in the field of English and a few other subjects. I have seen first-hand the magic of a five year old blending and reading his first story; I have marvelled at the determination of an adult who never went to school trying painfully to catch up and I have also witnessed with anguish the semi-literate who despite years of schooling can barely write a correct sentence or comprehend fully the written word. These individuals with fossilized grammar errors and poor problem-solving skills brought on by sub-par educational foundations are often the most difficult to redeem. I have finally left my comfort zone (the classroom- but not entirely), hoping to spread my impact further, working to strengthen the foundation through my work with Quality Education Development Associates (QEDA).
When I pivoted from veterinary medicine to education, many questions were asked. One of my former colleagues was indignant on my behalf saying that if I loved teaching so much, I should have become a lecturer not an ‘ordinary’ teacher. I am proud of my achievements as an educator and English language teacher but with the slight shift in my career path the main question that still arises can be summed up as ‘Why do you care about foundational learning?’
I guess, it’s clear that the notion of foundational learning which I care about is not just the establishment of early childhood learning centres or more primary schools. It’s about understanding exactly what foundational learning entails, manners and methods of promoting it and seeing tangible results. We can’t afford to be satisfied with pushing up enrolment without working for effective results. We mustn’t bury our heads in the sand pretending not to see the plight of public education while our children attend elite private schools. I care because I know that what’s worth doing at all is worth doing well. I care because the future of Africa is now, and I tremble when I remember the African proverb ‘The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth’. I care because I know that every child deserves quality education.
What future do we yearn for? Is it one where school is seen as a scam? The splendid job my teachers did propelled me into the field of education. We need to contribute our quota to the African classrooms we want to see. We need to build a foundation that is meticulously planned, in which every brick is carefully laid and every rod deliberately placed. A foundation that supports institutions where thinking is encouraged, where learning is celebrated and where competence is assured. We all need to care!
